Jofra Archer: Ben Stokes wants England bowler 'fit and ready' for Ashes next summer

Archer, 27, returned after 16 months out for the England Lions at the match of this week's tour against England.

As the match in Abu Dhabi headed for a draw, Friday's final matchday was canceled in favor of a net session.

"It's great to see him come back running with the ball in hand. He is one of the superstars of the international game," Stokes told Sky Sports.

Archer doesn't hasn't played for England since March 2021 due to two rounds of elbow surgery and then a stress fracture in his back.

"He's just really excited to be back," added Stokes Test captain Jofra Archer on the sidelines meanwhile again.

"I hope Jofra can be fit and ready, especially for the Ashes. That's something we're looking into."

Archer accepts Ashes, which begins in June, is a objective but is willing to be patient with his recovery so the injury does not happen again.

"I prefer to take these last few months very seriously, more seriously than probably the whole rehab, because once that phase goes well, it can set me up for the next three to four years injury-free,” said Archer, who had nine overs in the first day of the tour match and hit an unbeaten 20 when the Lions struck.

"I'm more than ready to do some extra bowling and stuff in and around another cricket, just to get my name in the hat [for the Ashes]."

Young Ahmed has a "fantastic talent"

Stokes also praised the teenager's ability to spin the legs Rehan Ahmed, but says he shouldn't be put under too much pressure at this early stage in his career.

Ahmed, 18, has been added to the Test squad for the Pakistan series and will become England's youngest Test player if he takes part in the tour.

"He's a fantastic talent, he loves cricket, he spends all his time shadowing his room," said Stokes. "He loves it. I'm really excited to have him on the team and show him around the band and see what he's got.

"We are also fully aware that the project is not yet finished. I think it's important that its inclusion is not scrutinized too much."