'I'm sure he'll be ready' - Mark Wood optimistic about Jofra Archer's participation in forthcoming Ashes 2023

England fast bowler Jofra Archer made his comeback to international cricket in January 2023 during the ODI series against South Africa. The seamer looked at his best as he took a brilliant 6-fer in the third ODI of the series to help his side avoid a whitewash. Just when everything was looking right for the 28-year-old fast bowler, Archer got an elbow niggle during the opening game of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The injury forced him to miss four matches for his team and returned to the playing XI for their sixth game against Punjab Kings (PBKS). However, the speedster was once again rested for MI’s most recent fixture against Gujarat Titans (GT) which has raised questions on his fitness. Amid the troublesome period in his career, Archer has got support from his England teammate Mark Wood who said that he's a champion player and will come back to be a champion again.

"I feel for Jofra actually and I can sympathize with him quite a bit there. You feel like you're just getting back and then you have a little setback and things happen. He's a champion player and I'm sure he'll come back and be a champion again,” Wood was quoted as saying by India Today.

According to reports, it was being said that Archer travelled to Belgium earlier this month during his break from IPL for a minor surgery on his right elbow. However, the fast bowler denied the claims in a strongly worded Tweet and accused the media of telling lies for personal gain.

“Putting out an article without knowing the facts & without my consent is cra­zy. Whoever the reporter is shame on you , an already worrying and troubling time for a player and you exploit it for your personal gain, it’s people like you that are the problem,” Archer tweeted.

Come the Ashes, he will be mentally and physically ready: Mark Wood

Wood, however, was positive that Archer will be ready for the Ashes and said that Mumbai Indians will take good care of him.

"He has overcome bigger things and I'm sure that he will be ready for the Ashes. He'll get great treatment there in Mumbai and England will look after him so that, come the Ashes, he will be mentally and physically ready,” Wood added.

England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes Test series starting on June 16. However, before that Australia will meet India in the World Test Championship final starting from June 7 at The Oval.

Wood refrained from making a prediction about The Ashes and called Australia a world-class side.

"I think Australia are a world-class team and I think it will be a great series. I wouldn't like to predict and say it's going to be one way or another. What I will say is that everyone has doubted this England team before, saying 'Oh, they won't do it against this team', or 'They'll struggle against this team.' To win in Pakistan, I think, was a huge tick in the box,” said Wood.