Missing the T20 World Cup and Ashes are the hardest two pills I’ve swallowed - Jofra Archer

Making his international debut just before the 2019 World Cup, Jofra Archer became an immediate sensation. The right-arm pacer produced some sensational performances in the gala tournament as England lifted the elusive title. A fast bowler who can set the speed gun on fire, has control, and can move the ball at will – Archer is certainly a captain’s delight and many back him to go a long way.

His record across formats is also sensational. However, injury concerns have troubled Archer time and again. The speedster missed the T20 World Cup 2021 and Ashes due to a stubborn elbow injury and he rues the fact. The 26-year old’s elbow issues resurfaced during the tour of India in early 2021. Owing to the same, he had to skip the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He subsequently underwent surgery on his elbow and missed the remaining international games in 2021. Archer certainly regrets not participating in the T20 World Cup and Ashes and he believes his presence could have helped the Three Lions. The pacer also suggested that he could have been effective on pace-friendly Australian conditions.

I want to be part of making this England team: Jofra Archer

“The hardest two pills I’ve had to swallow were not playing in the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes, but other than that, everything has been so good since. Watching the Ashes, I felt like I had let everyone down a little bit, when you see fast bowlers taking 90 per cent of the wickets — but you don’t get injured on purpose,” Archer was quoted as saying by Sportsmail.

“Of course, I want to be part of making this England team a success, but this past year has taught me that you can plan all you want, then something happens to change everything,” he added. For the unversed, England were knocked out by New Zealand in the semi-final of T20 World Cup. They suffered a horrendous time in Ashes and suffered a 0-4 defeat.

Meanwhile, Archer is not certain about his comeback date in international cricket. “Within myself, I know I am not ready yet, but having access to the doctors, the physio and removing the need to go back to England feels like a real plus. I feel like I am stealing time right now. Right now, I can do everything but it’s small step,” asserted Archer.

“I have no idea when I will be playing matches, I am just trying to build up and it’s all about what I can tolerate at any given time. That’s all. I’ve waited long enough so it makes no sense rushing the last bit,” he added.