Jofra Archer’s highly-anticipated Test debut remains under a cloud of uncertainty, as the pacer recovers from a side strain ahead of the Ashes, set to begin next month.
Archer, who essayed a pivotal role in England’s maiden World Cup triumph, leading their bowling charts with 20 wickets in 11 games, was not considered for the one-off four-day Test against Ireland next week, or for the Ashes training camp that precedes it.
“He’s is having a bit of a break now, he’s played a lot of cricket and has been a central protagonist in one of the great stories in sport,” England selector Ed Smith said. “He will get every medical attention that we can give to make sure he has every possibility of being fit as soon as possible.”
Archer isn’t the only high-profile fitness concern for England; James Anderson’s calf injury, sustained earlier this month, leaves him uncertain for the Ireland Test. Smith, seemed optimistic about the soon-to-be 37-year-old pacer’s speedy recovery, but stressed that any call will be taken only after careful monitoring his fitness.
“If he’s good to go he will play in the Ireland Test. If it’s deemed too big a risk he will not play in the Ireland Test and we’ll give him every opportunity to get ready for Edgbaston,” Smith said. “Or the third scenario is that he plays with monitored overs just to make sure he gets the right amount of work but no more.”
