Ben Stokes has opened up on text messages from Jofra Archer ahead of England's Test series against India.
The first Test at Headingly starts on Friday with the Three Lions eager to show that Bazball, and that entertaining style of play, can work against the best teams in the world.
One player not in the squad is Archer, who hasn't made a Test appearance for his country in four years.
However, Stokes has revealed his countryman is eager to return to the fold - and has been showing his enthusiasm in text messages.
Ben Stokes has opened up on text messages from Jofra Archer ahead of England's Test series against India
PA
“He’s (Jofra Archer) been absolutely desperate to put the white shirt back on," he said at a press conference.
"Randomly, a couple of times, he would just send me a text saying, ‘Zim?' [in reference to England's one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month].
"I was like, ‘Let’s just hold it right there, all right. I know you’re in a good spot right now, but let’s not just rush into it.”
Archer, despite his obvious talent, hasn't featured for England due to ongoing problems with his elbow.
More recently, the bowler sufffered a thumb injury that ruled him out of the first Test against India.
Stokes has also revealed that England players are raring to go as they get ready for a crunch period in the year.
As well as the India series, the Three Lions will face Australia in the Ashes Down Under.
They haven't triumphed on Australian soil for 15 years. Stokes is adamant, however, that England players are up for the challenge.
Jofra Archer hasn't made a Test appearance for England in four years
PA
"Everyone's obviously absolutely fizzing to get going," insisted the 34-year-old, who has battled his own injury problems in recent years.
"There's always a different buzz coming up against India and Australia in particular, purely because of how big the series are.
"Away from the dressing room, we know what these series mean.
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"India always brings excitement with them wherever they go in the world. We still want to be known as a team who play an exciting style of cricket.
"Not that we wanted to win every game we played, but it's changing what we say, how we say it.
"We want to be playing an exciting game of cricket because we know that's what brings the best out of individuals and the team. But it's about winning."
Ben Stokes is raring to go as England prepare to face India at Headingly
PA
India captain Shubman Gill, meanwhile, has expressed a belief the Test series against England will be 'exciting' for both sides.
"They have been playing a very exciting brand of cricket. They have been wanting to get results," said Gill.
"That has been the approach from what we know when we played against them in India, or especially here [in England]. As a team you want to get a result out of any match and I think that's what they try to get. That's no different to us."
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