England pacer Jofra Archer doubtful for India T20Is due to elbow injury
In what comes as bad news for England national cricket team, their ace fast bowler Jofra Archer might not feature in the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. England will take on India in the shortest format of the game with the series opener slated to be held on March 12, Saturday.
All the matches of the series will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is really going to be an entertaining series. England will be looking forward to avenging Team India for their 1-3 Test series defeat. But, Archer’s absence is a big blow to England’s bowling department.
Had it not been for recurring elbow injuries, Archer would have surely broken into the playing XI. The Barbados-born fast bowler took part in the first Test match against India at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 25-year-old pacer took two wickets in the first innings and settled for just one wicket in the second innings.
The pacer did not play the second Test match at the same venue. However, he made a comeback in the pink-ball Test affair in Ahmedabad but managed to bowl just 5 overs in the game. Archer did not play the fourth and final Test against India owing to an elbow issue.
We’ll be monitoring Archer’s situation: Chris Silverwood
Last year, the pacer was diagnosed with a stress fracture. Meanwhile, England’s head coach Chris Silverwood said that Archer will be monitored before any decision on his participation in the T20I series is taken.
“Jofra’s elbow did flare up a little bit and the medical staff are managing that at the moment. Obviously, we’ll monitor his progress. The medical staff are talking about how we deal with this long term.”
Meanwhile, the head coach of England Cricket Board added that Archer will be thoroughly assessed before a final move on his participation in the T20I series is taken. “Archer did not play the fourth and final Test against India owing to elbow issue. Last year, the pacer was diagnosed with a stress fracture”.
Meanwhile, England’s head coach Chris Silverwood added that the pacer won’t undergo surgery at the moment and the problem is also being discussed with England’s medical team.
“He’s trained today with the white-ball squad. We’ll be monitoring his situation. I’ll be guided by the medics. We’ll see where we end up with him. I want Jofra to be fit for all forms of cricket. I want him to have a long, successful Test career,” Silverwood was quoted as saying in ESPNcricinfo.
