Stokes affirms that England won’t risk Archer with early return

Jofra Archer has been out of the game for a long time now. Over the last 18 months, the right-arm speedster has been a steady passenger of the English team, with sparse appearances. However, for the first time in so many months, the speedster has returned to full fitness, and was seen in full tilt during England’s clash against the Lions side. 

Ben Stokes, England’s Test skipper, however, was very clear in his opinion, stating that England won’s risk Archer at any cost. He also insisted that the management doesn’t want to see the speedster on the sidelines for these many months yet again. 

"He's one of the superstars of the international game and it's great to see him running back in, bowling fast and it's really good to have him back around the group as well," Stokes told English broadcaster Sky Sports.

"I think he's just really excited to be back. He's obviously had a long time off with injury and as exciting as it is we've got to be careful not to rush him back as we don't want to see Jofra Archer on the sidelines for this amount of (time) again," he added.

Having said all of that though, Stokes revealed that England are eyeing for Archer to return by the home Ashes, which is next year. 

"That's the plan, hopefully we can have Jofra fit and ready especially for the Ashes," Stokes gave his timeline.