USE SOME ELBOW GREASE, DOC
England ask medical team to sort out Archer’s troublesome arm once and for all so he can spearhead World T20 and Ashes challenges
HEAD coach Chris Silverwood has challenged medics to get to the bottom of Jofra Archer’s elbow injuries so he can spearhead England’s bid for a T20 World Cup and Ashes double.
Archer is leaving India early to see specialists about his right elbow that has ruled him out of matches and been causing him discomfort all winter.
It means he misses the three-match one-day series which starts in Pune tomorrow as well as the first half at least of the Indian Premier League.
Silverwood says that is a sign Archer is putting his longterm England future before the glamour and riches of the biggest T20 league in the world.
“It was a joint decision,” said Silverwood about Archer’s early departure. “Both parties have put England first.
“I want Jofra for the World Cup and the Ashes. He’s a great performer and I want him there. I have every confidence in my medics to make sure they come up with the best treatment and give him the best chance.
“He needs to get this right. He needs some time to do that so we’ve made some space to make sure we give him the best chance of being successful for England.
“He wants to be at the World Cup, and he wants to be at the Ashes. It wasn’t a difficult decision by either side, to be honest. I think it was a sensible decision.”
The move will surely quieten down those who have previously questioned Archer’s commitment to Test cricket, with this winter’s Ashes a clear priority. The T20 World Cup is in India in October and November with the Ashes starting the following month.
“It is very satisfying and it shows how passionate Jofra is about playing for England and how much he enjoys playing for England,” added Silverwood.
“He is going to miss the early stages of the IPL and we will be led by the medics on where we go from there, but first we need to make sure Jof is OK.”
Silverwood explained that Archer would receive another injection in the elbow in the first instance with no suggestion that surgery is on the cards just yet.
The management of Archer will be one of the biggest challenges for Silverwood and his captains Joe Root and Eoin Morgan who both see the 25-year-old as absolutely crucial to the success of their teams.
They might also ask themselves whether they have pushed him to far, too fast, too soon and are paying the price for Archer having bowled more overs (633.4) than any other England bowler since his debut – even though he has missed nine out of the last 22 Tests.
Silverwood also reiterated the value of Moeen Ali to the white-ball teams despite his failure to get a game in the T20 series.
There is no place in the ODI squad for either Joe Root or Chris Woakes, despite their central roles, the England management preferring to give them extended breaks from the bubble.
Fellow spinner Matt Parkinson, all-rounder Liam Livingstone, paceman Reece Topley and Moeen are all in line for a 50-over game this week.