There are concerns about the fitness of Jofra Archer ahead of the Ashes 2023. The fast bowler missed a significant amount of cricket in the last two years due to injuries and is currently playing for the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023. However, he has already missed most of the matches due to fitness issues. Archer recently stated that he is trying to balance playing and resting, and if he manages to get through the IPL without an injury, he will be in a good position to play in the Ashes.
Archer, who is also keen to play as much red-ball cricket as possible, said he doesn’t plan on giving up any of the formats. However, he acknowledged that he may have to manage his workloads for at least a year. Despite not creating any major impact since his return from injury, Archer is happy with his progress and is enjoying his brief experience so far.
“It’s a huge year, I think everything is intertwined; everything bounces off everything else. If I can get through (the IPL) then I’ll be in a good position to play in the Ashes, and then everything else will follow with it,” Archer was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“I still want to play as much red-ball (cricket) as possible. I’ve never really had a thought of trying to give up on any of the formats as yet. Let me get through this year and see how the body’s feeling, but I don’t plan to give up any of the three. I may have to manage my workloads for at least a year, and that’s absolutely fine with me. But I want to make the most of all the cricket that is available to me,” he added.
The 28-year-old’s fitness is a crucial factor for England ahead of the Ashes, and they will be hoping he can remain injury-free. Archer’s pace and ability to swing the ball both ways make him a valuable asset to the team, and his absence could be felt.
“I’m really, really happy with how everything has gone so far. It’s still pretty tough, coming back and trying to manage expectations and everything else that comes with it. But my brief experience has been really good,” Archer said.
Archer’s fitness remains a concern, but the pacer is doing his best to manage it. He is aware of the importance of the Ashes and is working towards being fit for it. However, only time will tell if he can stay injury-free and play a vital role in England’s quest to reclaim the urn from Australia.
