Jofra Archer Eyes 2025-26 Ashes Comeback as He Plots Return to Test Cricket
England fast bowler Jofra Archer has set his sights on playing in the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia as he begins his journey back to Test cricket. Archer, who has been plagued by back and elbow injuries, has not featured in the longer format since February 2021.
Despite his absence from Test cricket, the 29-year-old played a crucial role in England's recent T20 World Cup campaign, raising hopes that his injury woes are behind him. Archer’s blistering pace on Australia's traditionally bouncy pitches would be a significant boost to England captain Ben Stokes' efforts to reclaim the Ashes urn.
The England management team is taking a cautious approach with Archer's return, ensuring he is not rushed back into red-ball cricket in 2024. Archer himself is focused on using the remainder of this year to make his Ashes dream a reality.
"I am going to use the rest of this year to make sure that is at least a possibility," Archer said regarding the next Ashes tour. "I'm tired of going on Instagram and seeing posts saying 'he's going to be on the physio's bed in the next two weeks' and stuff like that. I want to spend the rest of the year proving some people wrong and hopefully play in another Ashes."
Archer was a key figure in England's 2019 World Cup-winning team, famously bowling the super over in the final against New Zealand. His ferocious spell during his Ashes debut at Lord's that same summer, where he delivered a blow to Steve Smith resulting in a concussion, remains a highlight of his career.
England's managing director, Rob Key, mentioned in April that the home Test series against India next year is a realistic target for Archer’s return to red-ball cricket. Speaking during the BBC TV coverage of The Hundred’s opening match, Archer also expressed his intention to play first-class cricket early next summer.
"I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself [through] until at least maybe the start of the Championship next year," Archer explained. "I'll probably play a few of those [games] and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket."
Archer is set to make his much-anticipated debut in The Hundred when the Southern Brave face London Spirit in Southampton on Wednesday. "I am feeling good and want to get some games in. I am going to enjoy this little phase of some white-ball cricket," he added.
As Archer embarks on his comeback trail, England fans will be eagerly watching his progress, hoping to see him back in Test whites and terrorizing batsmen once more.
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