Archer’s big aim

JOFRA ARCHER says he is “back” and ready to play a major part in all three formats for England.

The injury-plagued fast bowler made a long-awaited return after 16 months out with injury in the England XI v Lions in Abu Dhabi, bowling nine overs on day one.

And after coming through the first two days of the three-day contest unscathed, Archer (inset) was looking forward to making a full England return.

“It’s weird feeling this way again. It was really nice, yesterday was a really, really big day,” he said of his first day back.

“A small day but still a big day. I will say I’m fully back. To get back to the first team is my number one priority but also getting back there as safely as possible.

“I’d rather take these last few months very seriously because once this phase goes right then it can set me up for the next three to four years injury free.”

Since his last outing in red-ball cricket in February last year in India, Archer has twice had elbow surgery then suffered with a stress fracture in his back.