Jofra Archer has his sights set on a T20 World Cup 2024 return in his Caribbean homeland, but the England fast bowler has issued a warning about his ability to cope with further injury setbacks. He fears he may not have another ‘stop-start’ year in him.
The upcoming T20 World Cup kicks off in Barbados on June 4th, with England facing Scotland and Australia at Kensington Oval. It is on the island where Archer grew up but never played an international match on.
“Playing for England back home is a huge dream,” Archer told The Athlete’s Voice by 4CAST. “I really do want to be playing back at home… I’d love my family and my dogs at that first game back. I haven’t played for England at all this year, so I think it would be really fitting if that could happen.“
Archer hasn’t seen professional action since May 2023 due to an elbow injury. The England Cricket Board (ECB) plans his return during England’s T20I series against Pakistan in late May, leading into the T20 World Cup. If everything goes well, he is expected to be included in the provisional World Cup squad as well.
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Interestingly, Archer acknowledged the possibility of missing the World Cup. He mentioned the upcoming T20 Blast and The Hundred tournaments as alternatives. “Worst-case scenario, even if I don’t make it to the World Cup for whatever reason, there’s still the T20 Blast, there’s still the Hundred. There’s still cricket that I haven’t got a chance to play in the last couple of years. As much as I want to play in the World Cup, if it doesn’t happen for whatever reason, at least I still know I could be somewhat active as well.”
“Don’t know if I’ve got another stop-start year in me,” Jofra Archer
Notably, Jofra Archer has expressed his growing concern over recurring injuries, admitting he might struggle to endure another “stop-start year” like the previous seasons.
Archer’s comments come after a string of setbacks kept him off the field for significant periods. “Last year, I played from January to May, because I did go to the IPL as well. And then the year before that, I played maybe one or two games for Sussex,” he said. “So I’ve had a whole year of nothing.”
The Barbadian-born cricketer is desperate for an injury-free run. “From June 1 and when June 1 comes next year, hopefully I’ve had no breaks… no injuries, and just constantly playing.,” he emphasized. “It’s been a while and honestly, I don’t know if I’ve got another stop-start year in me. That’s the truth. I don’t know if I’ve got another one.”
Archer and England cricket fans will no doubt be hoping the star pacer can stay fit and recapture his best form, bringing his electrifying pace back to the international stage.
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