NEW DELHI:
England
are optimistic about having a fully-fit
Jofra Archer
available for the upcoming
T20 World Cup
, despite the fast bowler undergoing rehabilitation due to a recurrence of his long-standing elbow injury.
Archer, a key player in England's World Cup victory in 2019, has been sidelined since May of the previous year. The management is carefully managing his return, focusing on the T20 World Cup later this year.
Rob Key, England's director of cricket, shared the plan during the BBC's 'Tailenders Podcast,' stating, "Our plan is the T20 World Cup, building him up slowly."
Archer has been battling injuries for the last three years, with a recurring right-arm elbow issue. Despite making a comeback in white-ball cricket early in 2023, featuring in three T20Is and four ODIs, he suffered a setback during the IPL, ruling him out of action.
During England's tour of the Caribbean in December, Archer trained with the white-ball team, indicating positive progress. However, the focus remains on ensuring a gradual and sustained return to competitive cricket.
"I saw him bowl in the Caribbean, and it was like he'd never been away. I don't want to get back to this thing where he plays and then goes down again," expressed Key.
Archer's commitment to playing cricket was evident when he appeared for his former school side in Barbados towards the end of the last year without official clearance from the England camp.
The 26-year-old paceman was also ruled out of the IPL this season, and his franchise, Mumbai Indians, released him. Archer had played for Mumbai Indians in the previous IPL, but his performances were hampered by the elbow injury.
"He (Archer) wanted to play in the IPL, but we said not this time. Hopefully, the years he has missed, he can add to the end of his career. He is such a talent," added Key, emphasizing the cautious approach to Archer's rehabilitation.
(With inputs from PTI)
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