“In A Good Place” – Archer Targets England Whitewash After Injury Nightmare

Archer hails benefits of time out as he eyes New England era  

Archer 'in a good place' as England close in on Pakistan Whitewash. Archer leads New England pace 'fab four' as Whitewash bid continues. 

“The time when I was injured, I really got away from cricket...”

 

England fast bowler Jofra Archer says he feels “in a good place” after battling several career-threatening injuries, but admits his long stints out had a few silver linings.

Born in Barbados, Archer moved to the UK in 2015. By 2019 he was leading England’s bowling attack in their famous World Cup final win at Lord’s, and was also a standout in that year’s Ashes.  

  

However, an elbow issue emerged later that year. England captain Joe Root faced heavy criticism for overusing the Sussex pacer during the New Zealand tour.

A combination of elbow and back problems kept Archer out of Test cricket for more than four years, from February 2021 until July 2025. 

The 31-year-old, who represents England in all three formats, said there were still some positives to take from being forced out of the game.  

Archer is targeting a 3-0 series sweep of Pakistan at Edgbaston this week, having already played key roles in dominant England wins at Headingley and Lord’s.  

The express quick has been part of a formidable pace unit alongside Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson. Their performances are already being compared to England’s iconic 2005 “Fab Four” of Hoggard, Harmison, Jones and Flintoff.  

“The time when I was injured, I really got away from cricket,” he told the BBC on Monday. “It's all been a blur. I didn't realise how long the time out was, either.

“I got to spend some time at home (in Barbados), because, moving over (to the UK), I never really got more than a couple of weeks. To spend a month here and there, it was really nice.”

He added: “I'd be lying if I didn't say I had a good time away from everything. Now, everything is really nice. My body is in a good place, the team is in a good place and everyone is in a good place. I just want to play cricket.”