Jofra Archer tells England skipper Ben Stokes that he wants to play at the Ashes

Jofra Archer has told Ben Stokes that he wants to play in the Ashes this summer in a huge boost for England’s Test side.

Sportsmail has learned that Archer has held talks with Stokes during the SA20 Twenty20 competition in South Africa this month, with the fast bowler reassuring him that he still wants to play red ball cricket despite his injury problems.

Archer is due to make his first appearance for England in 22 months in a one-day international series against South Africa which begins in Bloemfontein on Friday, but has yet to publicly commit to playing in the longer format. 

Archer (bottom) and Stokes (top) held talks at a recent meeting that took place in South Africa

The 27-year-old is close to Stokes however and having been inspired by England’s extraordinary revival under his leadership has told him he wants to be considered for selection during the Ashes this summer.

Archer has played four matches for MI Cape Town in the inaugural SA20 over the past fortnight, taking four wickets and impressing with the pace and hostility of his bowling.

In one game he registered a top speed of 92.4mph and there has been no sign of the injury problems to his elbow and back that left him on the side-lines for 18 months. 

Archer wants to return to red ball cricket after 22 months since his last appearance

Archer has been hampered with injury problems that have left him on the sidelines

Archer has not played a Test match since England’s tour of India in February 2021 however, and his workload will have to be managed carefully if he is to be available for Stokes this summer. 

The ECB were under the impression that he would only play twice for MI Cape Town before meeting up with England’s one-day squad in Bloemfontein tomorrow, but he ended up making four appearances with the new franchise eager to get the most out of their star signing.

Archer is also due to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, which does not finish until the beginning of June, just two weeks before the start of the Ashes.

England captain Stokes is assessing his options ahead of a first Ashes series as skipper