England cricket chief Rob Key said that Jofra Archer is set to focus on white-ball cricket this summer as he continues his recovery from a persistent elbow injury, ruling him out of Test cricket until at least 2025.
However, there's optimism that the upcoming T20 World Cup could mark a return to international action for the talented paceman.
Archer, who hasn't represented England in any format since March 2023 due to his ongoing injury woes, remains a key figure in England's limited-overs plans.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to kick off on June 1 in the Caribbean and the United States, there's hope that Archer could make a significant impact if he regains full fitness.
"The whole plan with Jofra is that he is going to play white-ball cricket this summer," explained Key, who oversees England men's cricket. "Then hopefully next summer, when we play India, then the Ashes (in Australia), we get him back for Test cricket."
Despite his absence from the Test arena, Archer's contributions to limited-overs cricket have been memorable, notably bowling the crucial super over in England's thrilling victory over New Zealand in the 2019 50-over World Cup final at Lord's.
Archer's career has been hampered by injuries, including a stress fracture in his right elbow that sidelined him for the entirety of last year's home season.
Despite these setbacks, the 29-year-old remains determined to return to the highest level of the sport.
"Jofra's been out at Sussex's pre-season in India and bowled quickly out there. He bowled really well," Key revealed, indicating positive signs in Archer's recovery and readiness to make an impact once again.
