Jofra Archer, the England fast bowler, is raring to go after a lengthy injury layoff, claiming that he is 80 percent fit and hopeful of repeating his 2019 World Cup and Ashes performance.
Archer is in Bloemfontein as part of England's 14-man squad for a three-match One-Day International series against South Africa, which begins on Friday. After being sidelined by elbow and back injuries, the talented paceman will play for England for the first time since 2021.
"Hopefully, 2019 will be a repeat. More of the same with a 50-over World Cup and an Ashes in the same year. There is no need to look back. I've served my sentence and am now present. That is the most important aspect. I'd say I'm about 80% sure. Now it's just a matter of fine-tuning. I know that when I'm fully fit, there won't be much that can stop me; it's just a matter of when that will be "Archer said this ahead of the series' first game, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Archer made his competitive return to cricket earlier this month, taking eight wickets in five matches in South Africa's T20 league.
"Playing cricket again for the first time a few weeks ago, I'm still riding off that wave of emotions right now. Hopefully, it will go up another level in two days. It's just been nice to play cricket without having to worry about my body giving out. "I believe that was the most significant tick for me thus far," he added.
The 27-year-injury old's break has cast doubt on his future in the longest format, but he is aiming for an Ashes series this summer.
"I need to spend the next two, three or four months fine-tuning my body, making myself a bit more resilient. Let me first resolve that, and then I can look forward to holding red ball again.