England’s pace bowling revelation Jofra Archer has been diagnosed with a low grade stress fracture in his right elbow, and will now miss the rest of the South Africa series. The pacer is also set to miss the 2020 Indian T20 League, as per preliminary reports.
Archer picked up this injury in the opening Test match between England and South Africa, and has been out of action ever since. Further scans now revealed that the 24-year-old has a stress fracture, which would require a lengthy rehabilitation program. The pacer was flown back to the UK where his rehabilitation program will begin, with the England Cricket Board (ECB) targetting a return date in June, when they play the West Indies in a three-match series.
Archer’s injury would be a big blow for team Rajasthan in the Indian T20 League. He has been a consistent performer for the franchise in the past few seasons, spearheading their bowling attack. He picked up 11 wickets in last season’s Indian T20 League, and maintained a stingy economy rate of seven.
The pacer was a confirmed overseas started for team Rajasthan for most of last season, playing alongside the likes of Ben Stokes, Steve Smith and Jos Buttler. With Archer out of the equation now, Rajasthan would most likely play either Australia’s Andrew Tye or West Indian Oshanne Thomas.
The fast bowler also performed admirably at the 2019 Cricket World Cup as well as the Ashes, playing a pivotal role in England’s successful summer. He was impressive in the first Test against South Africa as well, but the injury now would be a minor setback for England as well as team Rajasthan.
Feature image courtesy: AFP/ David Gray
