Jofra Archer's England return hailed as Ashes verdict made - "Unbelievable achievement"

Jofra Archer is set to make his long-awaited England return in January, having been named in the squad which will travel to South Africa for a three-match ODI series.

Archer has not played for England since March 2021 after enduring a torrid time with injuries, missing two T20 World Cups and an Ashes series in Australia. He has been plagued by an elbow injury that required two separate operations and then suffered a stress fracture of the back earlier this year that sidelined him for the entire summer.

The 27-year-old did make an encouraging return to bowling in England's recent training camp in the UAE ahead of their historic series victory over Pakistan. Archer trained with the England Lions and then sent down nine overs in a warm-up match against the senior squad.

Speaking after that spell, Archer said he was "fully back" and wants to continue playing "all formats all year round", with the prospect of a starring role in a home Ashes series and England's 50-over World Cup defence a mouthwatering one.

And former England quick Steve Harmison believes Archer can help lead England to glory this year, provided his "body holds up". Speaking on talkSPORT, Harmison said: "The biggest thing for England is to get him through South Africa and you have to try to not look too much further ahead than that.

"If you get Jofra Archer back for the first Test at the Ashes in June that is an unbelievable achievement between now and testament to his desire to get back.

Archer has not played for England since March 2021 (BCCI)

"But by the end of the series England could get to August be 50 overs World Champions, 20 over World Champions and hold the Ashes and what a place that would be.

"Everybody wants him – they want him to play 20 and 50 overs cricket and Test cricket, IPL cricket – and bowling fast is not something that the body does naturally or easily. Fingers crossed his body holds up."

Archer will feature in South Africa's new T20 competition, the SA20, before England's tour begins as part of his return to action. He is available for two games with MI Cape Town before joining up with England.