England prioritise workload management as Archer prepares for ODI comeback

England are set to prioritise workload management for Jofra Archer as he prepares to make his ODI comeback in the upcoming series against South Africa.

The 27-year-old has been out of action since July 2021 due to a stress fracture of the back, but he has now returned to full fitness and is in contention to play in the opening match of the series at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

However, England are keen to avoid rushing Archer back into action too quickly, and they will be carefully monitoring his workload in the coming weeks.

"We've got to be very careful with Jofra," said England white-ball coach Matthew Mott.

"He's had a long time out of the game, so we've got to make sure we manage his workload very carefully.

"We don't want to break him down again, so we'll be taking a cautious approach with him."

Archer is a key part of England's plans for the 2023 World Cup, and the team will be hoping that he can stay fit and healthy for the rest of the summer.

The ODI series against South Africa gets underway at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, with the second match taking place at Old Trafford on Thursday and the third match at Headingley on Sunday.