Jofra Archer is relieved to finally be back among the England camp after a prolonged period of injury woe left him sidelined for the better part of two years.

The Sussex fast bowler has not played for the national team since March 2021, missing out since with a succession of elbow injuries and a back stress fracture.

But a return to the senior Test camp as part of an England Lions team for a three-day match in Abu Dhabi this month has helped him move a step closer to a return.

Having missed England's T20 World Cup glory during his absence, Archer is fixing his eye on defending the trophy he helped England win in the 50-over format back in 2019, but for now is just happy to be back among his team-mates.

"Being back here in Abu Dhabi, in and around the guys, it is kind of heartwarming," he told Sky Sports. 

"It makes you feel like you are at home again, seeing all the familiar faces.

"I am so, so glad to be back and this is a big year.

"We just won the T20, we have the 50-over coming up so, hopefully, I get a chance to help defend the title."

Asked if a return to the ODI fold for next year's Cricket World Cup is a realistic target, Archer added: "That is the goal. I still don't think I am 100 per cent as yet.

"I still need to do some more work, to get the body back up and fit and firing. In the short-term, just to be fit is the most important thing."

On picking up overs during the Lions game, Archer stated he has been limited on his workload, but was nevertheless satisfied with his efforts.

"This morning, it kind of felt like a bus hit me," he added. "But that is a good feeling. I was glad to get a run out, especially with the boys. It is almost like being back playing with them.

"There are some restrictions. The coach and the physio said I could use my discretion with how much I wanted to bowl and I think I did enough for a first run out."