Hopefully we can have Jofra fit and ready for the Ashes next year: Ben Stokes

England Test skipper Ben Stokes noted that he would hopefully want speedster Jofra Archer fit and ready for the Ashes next year, which is more than six months away. Archer recently trained with the England Lions squad in UAE and also underwent his rehabilitation process for the elbow injury which had kept him out of action for a long time. He was also seen training in the nets recently.

The 27-year-old featured for England Lions in the practice game against England's Test squad as a preparation for the historic Pakistan tour. However, the right-arm quick is unlikely to take part in competitive cricket straightaway, despite his eagerness to return by the start of 2023. Speaking of his progress, Stokes was delighted with the return of Archer on the field.

"It's been great to see him out here when we joined up with the Lions. It's great to see him back running with the ball in his hand. He's one of the superstars of the international game and it's great to see him running back in, bowling fast and it's really good to have him back around the group as well," Stokes was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. 

We've got to be careful not to rush him back: Ben Stokes 

Ben Stokes noted the excitement on seeing Archer recovering well and highlighted the importance of not fast tracking him. Since Archer has recently recovered, any plans of getting him into the team so quickly can backfire. Stokes further said that he was hopeful of Archer getting fit for the Ashes which is scheduled for June 2023. 

"I think he's just really excited to be back. He's obviously had a long time off with injury and as exciting as it is we've got to be careful not to rush him back as we don't want to see Jofra Archer on the sidelines for this amount of [time] again. That's the plan, hopefully we can have Jofra fit and ready especially for The Ashes. That's something that we're looking at for Jof and it would be great to have him available for selection for that," Stokes added.