Jofra Archer focused on England return as scan shows injury progress

Jofra Archer is "progressing as expected" from a stress fracture of his right elbow as he targets a return in time for the Test summer.

The England seamer sustained the injury during the tour of South Africa and after a repeat MRI scan in London this week and a review by the ECB medical team, he is on track to be available for June's Test series against England.

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An ECB statement confirmed that the 24-year-old will undergo a further scan in mid-April and play for Sussex in the County Championship in May in preparation for the West Indies series.

"My priority is getting him right for England and our international summer," said England head coach Chris Silverwood. when asked whether Archer could play for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

"Sussex will play a big part in that and we will work very closely with them to make sure he gets the best preparation possible.

"The only things we have been talking about are what's best for England and what's best to get him right for that.

"We just want him to be fit, full stop. We want him 100% ready, 100% fresh and 100% fit for the international season."

Archer's current rehabilitation will progress to a full gym programme and continued running work over the next two weeks.

His programme will commence towards the end of March working closely with ECB Young Lions coach and seam bowling specialist Jon Lewis and former Sussex bowling coach James Kirtley.

Watch England's two-Test series against Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports Cricket. Our coverage of the first Test, in Galle, gets under way at 4am on Thursday, March 19.