England pacer Jofra Archer has announced his ambition to return to the Test arena for the next edition of the Ashes series. After battling numerous injury setbacks, Archer is determined to prove his critics wrong and is using the rest of 2024 to work towards his goal. Although he has recently returned to T20 cricket, Archer is yet to make a comeback in the longer formats of the game.

Archer’s determined comeback

In a recent interview with the BBC, Archer expressed his desire to utilize the remaining months of 2024 to ensure his selection for the Ashes remains a viable possibility. The fast bowler emphasized that he is motivated to silence the doubters who have mocked his fitness struggles on social media. Archer plans to manage his fitness diligently, aiming to reach peak condition by the start of the Championship next year, which he views as a crucial step toward his Test return.

“I am going to use the rest of this year to make sure that is at least a possibility. 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,” said Archer.

“I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself [through] until at least maybe the start of the Championship next year. I’ll probably play a few of those [games] and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket,” he said in the same interview.

“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.

Focusing on fitness and future goals

Archer’s journey back to full fitness has been gradual, with Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, stating that the pacer will not be rushed into the longest format of the game.

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Archer, who was part of the England squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 where they were defeated by India in the semi-finals, is eager to manage his workload effectively and build up his stamina and form through domestic matches. His focus remains on contributing to England’s Ashes campaign and reestablishing himself as a key figure in the Test squad.