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.

Former England cricket captain Eoin Morgan has dismissed reports suggesting he could replace Matthew Mott as the next white-ball coach. On July 23, Morgan addressed the speculation, stating that the news was as surprising to him as anyone else. England’s recent struggles in major tournaments have increased pressure on current coach Matthew Mott, who oversaw a disappointing campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and a semi-final exit at the hands of India in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Morgan dismisses speculation

Rumors in the British media suggested that Mott might be replaced, with England allegedly considering potential candidates. Eoin Morgan’s name was among those linked to the role. However, Morgan, speaking to Sky Sports while commentating for The Hundred, dismissed these reports. He emphasized that the news of his potential coaching role was new to him, confirming that he was not currently pursuing the position.

Eoin Morgan said, “This news is actually news to me.”

“It’s obviously not nice when a coach comes under fire and there is a lot of speculation about his future, but only time will tell what will happen.”

Focus on family and commentary

Morgan expressed that while he is interested in coaching the team in the future, now is not the right time. With a young family, Morgan prioritized spending time with them, highlighting the importance of his family commitments. Additionally, Morgan shared that he is enjoying his current role in commentary, which allows him to stay connected to the sport without the demands of coaching.

“I’ve been asked a lot [in the media] over the past couple of months about the role, and if I would take it on,” Morgan said. “My answer has simply been that the timing for everything in my life at the moment is not right. Yes, I want to coach down the line. But I have a young family, and I spend a lot more time at home and watching cricket doing this [commentary]. I’m absolutely loving what I’m doing,” said Morgan.

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Meanwhile, Rob Key, England’s managing director, announced that a review of the team’s performance during the T20 World Cup would begin soon. This review adds further pressure on Mott and England’s captain, Jos Buttler, who is recovering from a calf injury. As England navigates these challenges, the cricket community will be closely watching for any changes in leadership and strategy.