Jofra Archer finally made his long-awaited return to competitive cricket on Saturday (May 25) during the second T20I between England and Pakistan in Birmingham.
It is his first competitive cricket match since May 2023. He last played a competitive match on May 6 when he represented Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings. His last appearance for England was in March 2023 during the tour of Bangladesh.
The World Cup-winning pacer was dealing with back and elbow problems during his long injury layoff. In fact, he has played just seven games in the last three years for England due to a series of injury setbacks. He has been named in the England squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and will look to hit the ground running.
I want out: Jofra Archer:
Speaking ahead of the second T20I against Pakistan, Jofra Archer expressed his joy and excitement at returning to action. Speaking of her long rehabilitation, the Barbados-born pacer called it a “constant robotic routine” and said she has to make her return worth it. The fast bowler also said that he has been bowling since November last year and is hopeful of being on the plane for the T20 World Cup.
“I want out before I can say how I feel, but I’ve been in rehab for as long as I can remember, so it’s good to be back. The constant robotic routine… you have to get up and keep going. But I’m back here, like this It has to be worth it,” Jofra Archer told Sky Sports.
“I hope he stays [dry] and we have a game. I have been bowling since November last year properly, but there is an extra 10% intensity for big games. Hopefully I can get over it and get on the plane. I have to take it game by game, I can’t look too far into the future, but I’ve never played at Kensington. [Oval in Barbados] So let’s keep our fingers crossed,” he added.
Jofra Archer is back! 🤩
He spoke to Eoin Morgan about his return 🔙 pic.twitter.com/tQyscMQdx4
– Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 25, 2024
For the T20 World Cup, England are in Group B along with bitter rivals Australia, Scotland, Oman and Namibia. The reigning champions will begin their campaign on June 4 against Scotland. Talking about the ongoing game, England finished their innings with a competitive total of 183 for 7 in the allotted 20 overs. Captain Jos Buttler led from the front, scoring 84 off 51 balls.