JOFRA REVVING UP TO SPEED
JOFRA ARCHER is nearing top pace once more and looks set to be available for the final Test at the Wanderers.
On what is expected to be the quickest pitch of the lot, the thought of Archer (right) bowling in tandem with Mark Wood is enough to get any England fan excited.
And, after bowling two spells in the nets on Saturday behind the St George’s Park ground, Archer is close to being back to full fitness and available for selection, following his right elbow injury.
The soreness that has kept him out of both the second and third Tests has gone and England are keen to get him back in the side to continue his development.
His coach at Sussex, Jon Lewis, tweeted his support for Archer from his preparations as head coach of the England
Under-19s prior to their first game of the World Cup, also in South Africa. Lewis described the need for the ECB to support and protect their fast-bowling asset as he recovers from injury before he turned his attention to an opening game against the West Indies on Monday.
Captained by Lancashire all-rounder George Balderson, the current crop of young stars are hoping to emulate the success of Owais Shah’s side, who won the tournament in 1998.
It was only two years ago that Tom Banton was playing in the previous edition and, in sending a message to the side, Ben Stokes expects to see more joining him.
“Go out and express yourselves and enjoy it,” said Stokes.
“I look forward to seeing you guys progress and, hopefully, one day see you in this dressing room.”