“Need him firing in all formats”: Chris Silverwood hopes for “fully fit” Jofra Archer for T20 World Cup and Ashes

Chris Silverwood: The English head coach has expressed a desire of seeing his fast bowler up and running during premier tournaments.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer’s return to County cricket after almost three years last week wasn’t successful as he ended up aggravating his right elbow injury during the course of bowling 18 overs across two innings before not taking any further part in the match against Kent.

Archer, who had undergone a surgery to his hand which ruled him out of Indian Premier League 2021, has not been named in England’s 15-member squad for New Zealand Tests due to the same reason.

It was during England’s tour of South Africa before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic last year that Archer had first faced trouble regarding his right elbow. Since then, the 26-year old player has continued to miss something or the other when it comes to competitive matches.

Chris Silverwood hopes for “fully fit” Jofra Archer for T20 World Cup and Ashes

Addressing concerns around Archer, England head coach Chris Silverwood laid emphasis on finding a resolution with respect to Archer’s elbow. An all-format player that Archer is, Silverwood hoped for a “fully fit” right-arm bowler especially before a winter season where England are scheduled to take part in ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and Ashes 2021-22.

“Jofra Archer is to see a consultant this week to understand the severity of his right elbow injury. He struggled in Sussex’s Championship fixture last week and he wasn’t able to bowl on the final two days of the match.

“We need to get this resolved once and for all to give him the best chance of being fully fit as we build up to an intense winter, which will include a T20 World Cup and the Ashes. We need him firing in all formats of the game,” Silverwood said in a statement published on England Cricket Board’s website.