Jofra Archer Suffers IPL Blow As ECB Issues Fitness Update

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has dealt a big blow to Jofra Archer’s hopes of playing in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The England star has been out of action with an elbow injury since the first Test against South Africa in January.

He is ruled out of England’s upcoming series in Sri Lanka and there were also big doubts over his participation in the IPL. However, he recently said that he has not yet given up on his hopes of playing for Rajasthan Royals. However, the ECB’s latest statement has all but ended his hopes of playing in the IPL.

Also Read: Jofra Archer Opens Up On His Participation In IPL 2020

In their latest statement, ECB stated that another scan will be done on the allrounder in mid-April before a decision on his return to action is taken. Not only that, the ECB also stated that he would make his return to cricket during the home Test series against West Indies and would play in the County Championship in May in preparation for the same.

“Following a repeat MRI scan undertaken this week in London, Jofra Archer has been reviewed by the ECB medical team and is progressing as expected from the stress fracture to his right elbow sustained during the South Africa tour in January,” a statement from the ECB reads.

“He will have a further scan in mid-April before a return to competitive cricket. Archer\u2019s focus will be playing for England, starting with the West Indies Test series, which commences in early June. He will play County Championship cricket in May for Sussex to ensure his preparation is optimal for Test cricket.

“His current rehabilitation will progress to a full gym programme and continued running work over the next two weeks.His back to bowling programme will commence towards the end of March working closely with ECB Young Lions coach and seam bowling specialist Jon Lewis and Sussex bowling coach James Kirtley,” added the statement.

Jofra Archer was one of England’s busiest players before suffering the injury. The workload that he coped with since making his international debut last May finally took a toll on the Barbados-born bowler. He has bowled more than 400 overs for his country since his debut. No other England player has bowled more than him in the entire calendar year.