England's Jofra Archer reacts during play on the fifth day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on August 18, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
English tearaway quick Jofra Archer's return to competitive cricket is edging closer after signing to play in the inaugural South Africa T20 League.
The 27-year-old joins as the team's wildcard signing.
Archer has had an array of injuries, including an elbow issue requiring two surgeries followed by a stress fracture to his lower back.
But in an encouraging sign for him and English cricket, he took part in the England Lions training camp.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, he featured in a three-day match warmup against England's Test squad, showing his return will be more valuable than ever before.
Starting on January 10, the inaugural tournament will run to February 11, with a short break in late January to accommodate England's 3 ODI matches against South Africa.
Depending on how Archer fares in the SA20 tournament, he could well make his return to International cricket in that series.
Archer is only one of two wildcard signings thus far, with the Sunriers Eastern Cape announcing Jordan Hermann as its maiden wildcard acquisition.
Archer joins the team featuring English teammates Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, and Olly Stone along with South African quick Kagiso Rabada, crafty spinner Rashid Khan, and big hitter Dewald Brevis.