Archer aiming to make comeback in Blast opener

JOFRA Archer hopes to make his comeback in Sussex’s opening game in the Vitality Blast this month after admitting his longstanding elbow injury left him in a “dark place” last summer.

The England fast bowler missed last winter’s T20 World Cup and Ashes series after undergoing a second operation in December on his problematic right elbow, which has troubled him for more than two years.

Having not played competitively since last July, Archer insisted he has given no thought to this summer and his international prospects and is merely relieved he can soon look forward to a return to action.

But the 2019 World Cup-winning quick suggested he remains committed to representing England in all three formats after speculation abounded during his time on the sidelines that his persistent elbow worries might lead to him sacrificing his Test ambitions and become a specialist white-ball player.

“I find myself in an unfamiliar place as I build towards the start of the Vitality Blast this month - from a fitness perspective, I cannot believe how good I feel,” he said in his Daily Mail column.

“Am I confident things are where I would like them to be ahead of Sussex’s opening Twenty20 fixture against Glamorgan on May 26? Absolutely.

“As for Test cricket this summer, I simply haven’t thought that far ahead. I’ve not had any prompts from anyone, telling me I’m a one-format player as yet. I still want to play everything.

“But my first task is the Blast and if I don’t play that properly, then I won’t be able to play Test cricket.”