India vs England 2021: Jofra Archer Likely To Be Rested For The ODI Series

The spearhead of England’s bowling department in limited-overs cricket, Jofra Archer is expected to be rested for the three-match ODI series against India which will follow the ongoing five-match T20I series.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named an 18-member squad for the ODI series, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have not yet, at the time of writing this piece. The ECB will announce its ODI squad after the fifth T20I game which is on Saturday. And, according to the Daily Mail, Jofra Archer is unlikely to feature in it.

The England management has been proactive about giving their players rest considering the packed schedule this year, and also the toll living in the bio-bubble has on the mental health of the players.

Jofra Archer will play the entire season of the IPL 2021 for Rajasthan Royals – the ECB has allowed its players to participate in the IPL granting them permission to opt-out of the Test series against New Zealand.

Jofra Archer’s fitness in recent times has been a concern – he missed the fourth Test against India due to an elbow injury. However, the speedster returned strongly with a match-winning three-wicket haul in the first T20I. He has played all four T20I so far, registering a career-best 4/33 in the fourth game, although England lost; the fifth and series-deciding T20I will be played on March 20.

The 3-match ODI series commences on March 23 – all the matches will be played at the Maharastra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune behind closed doors.

Need to take care of my elbow first- Jofra Archer

Post the IPL, the 25-year-old could be a part of England’s home five-match Test series against Virat Kohli’s side. However, in-home conditions, Joe Root will have plenty of other viable options as well, hence Archer could be rested for the Test series as well.

It has been clear by the management that their priority is the white-ball cricket this year leading up to the T20 World Cup; then followed by the away Ashes at the end of the year. Jofra Archer himself is keen to play in those two events and will give his best attempt to remain fit and available.

“I need to take care of my elbow first before I think about what is going to happen. For me, in the immediate, I want to get through this series and then I will do everything in my power to make sure I’m going to the World Cup and the Ashes,” Jofra Archer had said earlier.

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