England pacer Jofra Archer had missed the fourth Test against India recently which was played in Motera, Ahmedabad due to his elbow injury flaring up. And it has been reported that this problem might also keep him from participating in the upcoming five T20Is against India as well.
England, which lost the Test series against India 3-1, will be facing India in five 20-over matches starting from March 12, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. However, Chris Silverwood, England head coach said that Jofra Archer’s participation depends on what ECB’s medical team decided for the pacer.
Jofra Archer (AP)
He also admitted that Archer’s elbow problem may need long-term management and possibly even surgery. One of the most sought-after T20 players, Archer’s fitness standing up to the rigors of Test cricket is what England management is thinking about.
I’m Not Sure Surgery Has Come Up Yet, I’ll Be Guided By The Medics On That: Chris Silverwood
England coach Chris Silverwood. (Photo: Twitter)
“I wouldn’t say concerned, no, but his 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 is talking about how we deal with this long term. It’s not something I would go out and predict but we’ll find out in the course of time, won’t we? I’m not sure surgery has come up yet, I’ll be guided by the medics on that,” Silverwood said.
However, it has been cleared that fit or not, Archer will not be part of England’s next Test team, which will play New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2. This is because the IPL 2021 dates and schedules were announced on March 7, 2021, and the final of the tournament happens on May 30.
ECB Wants To Ensure Archer Had A Long And Successful Career: Chris Silverwood
Silverwood said that England management is concerned about Archer’s Test career and the medical team is working to ensure he has a long Test career.
Jofra Archer (Image Credit: Twitter)
“The important thing for me at the moment is that Jofra gets every resource we can provide to make sure he does have a long and successful Test career. I’ll be guided by the medics. We’ll see where we end up with him. Once we decide on a course of action we take with Jofra we’ll be guided from there. I want Jofra to be fit for all forms of cricket. I want him to have a long, successful Test career,” Silverwood said.
Also Read: Jofra Archer May Not Play In T20I Series Against India Due To Elbow Injury: Reports
