Jofra back in the bubble... and anything but BUBBLY

JOFRA ARCHER has revealed the strain of bio bubble life and fears what the rest of a “long, long year” has in store for him.

Far from cutting an enthusiastic figure refreshed and raring to take on the best in the world on their home soil following a six-week break, Archer’s mind appeared to be affected by his return to such a lifestyle.

That is what an imposing fixture list with weeks and months to be spent in a bio bubble can do to a social animal like Archer (right), who had 87 days – more than anyone else – in last summer’s environment.

And it is why England have made sure that all-format players like him are given enough time away from the Covid-restricted existence that elite sport insists on.

“I have looked at the schedule today and all I can say is it is going to be a very long year,” said Archer.

“We are only in February now. It is going to be a long, long year and body management is essential. In England anyone criticising us has never been in the bubble. We have been in a bubble for months.

“One golfer left after four days – we have been in here for almost a year now.

“We have to go in and out because humans are social people. It starts to get hard if you are not having a great game or not feeling good with your cricket because there is nowhere to go.

“I think the ECB has made it really great to give people like myself six weeks away. Jos Buttler is away after this game. Sam Curran has gone. So they are making it a priority that everyone gets time away so they can come back refreshed and ready to go.”

Even though he is yet to play with a red ball in India, Archer’s speed and skills will be a huge asset to Joe Root’s side in the four-test series that starts on Friday.

And he is delighted that Test cricket is set to be shown live on Channel 4, for the first time since 2005.

“Hopefully it goes through,” added Archer. “It will be good to have it back on the huge platform so you can help inspire the next generation.”