Ben Stokes says he wants Jofra Archer to be “fit and ready” for the Ashes against Australia next summer.
Archer, 27, makes his return to England Lions after 16 months out in this week’s tour match against England.
With the match heading for a draw in Abu Dhabi, Friday’s final day was canceled in favor of a net session.
“It’s great to see him running back with the ball in hand. He’s one of the superstars of the international game,” Stokes told JEE News.
Archer has not played for England since March 2021 due to two rounds of elbow surgery and then a stress fracture in his back.
“He is very excited to be back,” Test captain Stokes added. “He’s obviously had a long time with injury and as exciting as it is, we’ve got to be careful that he doesn’t come back too quickly because we don’t want to see Jofra Archer on the sidelines for [the time] again.
“Hopefully we can get Jofra fit and ready, especially for the Ashes. That’s something we’re looking at.”
Archer agrees that the Ashes starting in June is a target but is willing to be patient with his recovery to avoid a recurrence of the injury.
“I’d like to take these last few months very seriously, probably more seriously than all the rehab, because once this phase is done it can keep me injury-free for the next three to four years,” Archer said. said Tour bowled nine overs on the first day of the match and scored an unbeaten 20 when the Lions batted.
“I’m more than willing to do some extra bowling and stuff around in and around some other cricket, just to put my name in the hat [for the Ashes].”
Young Ahmed a ‘brilliant talent’
Stokes has also praised the potential of teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed but says he should not be under too much pressure at this early stage of his career.
Ahmed, 18, has been included in the Test squad for the Pakistan series and would become England’s youngest Test player if he makes the tour.
Stokes said he is a fantastic talent, he loves cricket, he spends all his time shadow batting in his room. “He absolutely loves it. I’m excited to get him into the squad, get him into the group and see what he’s got.
“We’re also fully aware that he’s not done yet. I think it’s important not to overthink his involvement.”
