ENG vs PAK: "I'm back here so it has to be worth it" - Jofra Archer on returning to action after more than a year

Jofra Archer finally made his much-awaited return to competitive cricket on Saturday (May 25) during the second T20I between England and Pakistan Birmingham.

It is his first game in competitive cricket since May 2023. He last played a competitive game on May 6 when he represented Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings. His last appearance for England came in March 2023 during the tour of Bangladesh.

The World Cup-winning pacer was dealing with back and elbow issues during his long injury layoff. In fact, he has played only seven matches in the last three years for England due to the spate of injury setbacks. He has been named in the England squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and will be looking to hit the ground running.

I want to get out there: Jofra Archer:

Speaking ahead of the second T20I against Pakistan, Jofra Archer expressed his delight and excitement over returning to action. Opening up on his long rehab, the Barbados-born pacer called it a 'constant robotic routine' and said that he has to make his return worthwhile. The fast bowler also said that he has been bowling since November last year and is hopeful of being on the plane for the T20 World Cup.

"I want to get out there before I can tell how I feel, but been rehabbing for as long as I can remember, so good to be back. The constant robotic routine ... you've got to get up and keep going, but I'm back here so it has to be worth it," Jofra Archer told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully it stays [dry] and we get a game in. I have been bowling since November last year properly, but there's an extra 10% of intensity for big games. Hopefully I can get through it and get on the plane. I have to take it game by game, can't look too far ahead, but I've never played at Kensington [Oval in Barbados] so fingers crossed," he added.

Jofra Archer is back! 🤩

He spoke to Eoin Morgan about his return 🔙 pic.twitter.com/tQyscMQdx4

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 25, 2024

For the T20 World Cup, England are in Group B along with bitter rivals Australia, Scotland, Oman, and Namibia. The reigning champions will begin their campaign on June 4 against Scotland. Talking about the ongoing game, England finished their innings on a competitive total of 183 for 7 in the allotted 20 overs. Captain Jos Buttler led from the front, scoring 84 from 51 balls.