Archer to join Lions as he steps up recovery from injury

JOFRA ARCHER will travel to the United Arab Emirates alongside the England Lions squad for a training camp next month as his recovery from injury continues.

Archer last played for England in March 2021 and has been out of action since due to back and elbow injuries.

The 27-year-old retained his central contract for 2022-23 last week and England are confident he can be back in the senior side early next year.

Mo Bobat, England performance director, revealed Archer’s excitement on his return. ‘I rang Jofra to talk to him about this training camp and he said to me “this is the first positive selection call I’ve had in a long time”,’ said Bobat. ‘We had a bit of a giggle about the fact that all he’s had is difficult injury news recently and he’s missed having someone tell him he’s been picked.

‘He’s in a good place mentally and is really excited about getting back involved. He’s been bowling at reasonable volumes and intensity. One of the dangers is rushing people back too quickly, so what we’re trying to do with Jofra is build that really strong base of bowling over a period of time.’

Archer is one of three pace bowlers, alongside Saqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse, who will make the trip to continue their rehab from injury. The touring 15-man Lions squad includes uncapped 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed, who England rate highly, as well as the likes of Dan Lawrence, Haseeb Hameed, Matthew Fisher and Matthew Potts. The Lions will play a three-day practice match against the England men’s side in Abu Dhabi, a week before the seniors face Pakistan in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

‘He (Archer) will be playing a meaningful part in all of our practice,’ said Bobat. ‘Let’s hope he can play some sort of part in that game. He’s very much ready to get out there and think about bowling competitively, rather than just thinking about his action and all the physical stuff. ‘We’re excited but we’re trying to make sure we’re patient.’ Bobat added that with England only selecting a 15-man Test squad for Pakistan, there was a chance for the Lions to put themselves in the frame for a Test call-up.

‘There’s an opportunity for players to demonstrate what they’re capable of and show how ready and hungry they are,’ he said. ‘If we want to add someone, we’ve got the opportunity to do that.’

Five of England’s Test squad for Pakistan will join the Lions in the Middle East — Jack Leach, James Anderson, Jamie Overton, Ollie Robinson and Will Jacks.