Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ROOT: JOFRA HASN’T BEEN OVER-BOWLED
JOE ROOT has defended England against accusations they have over-bowled Jofra Archer in the first nine months of his international career.
But Root hinted there may have to be tweaks to Archer’s workload in order to manage him more efficiently when the paceman returns from injury.
The diagnosis of a stress fracture in Archer’s right elbow brought with it a predictable wave of criticism from some that England have been careless with their No.1 bowling asset.
Since making his debut in an ODI against Ireland last May, no bowler has been asked for more overs in England’s cause.
But Test captain Root (below) insisted: “I don’t think Jofra’s been overbowled.
“You look at the amount of cricket he’s played before he played for England.
“An important part of it now is the amount of cricket there is, it’s pretty full on if you’re playing all three formats.
“Chuck in an Indian Premier League as well and Big Bash and stuff he’s played beforehand and that’s a lot of cricket.”
Archer, 24, faces three months out of action – with a return pencilled in for the start of the English Test summer in June.
Root believes the rest can do him good after a whirlwind opening to his international career.
“He’s had a phenomenal start on the international stage and should be extremely proud of what he has achieved already in his short career,” he said.
“That’s a lot of mental fatigue as well as physical.
“It will be good for him to have a mental break to get some time away from the game to get refreshed.”
England want Archer fit for both Tests and the World T20 in Australia in October, so it is likely he will play little or no 50-over cricket until the 2023 World Cup preparations get under way.
England will attempt to square the ODI series against South Africa in Johannesburg today.
After losing the series opener in Cape Town, the second match was abandoned in Durban.
England are this week set to name the Test squad for next month’s tour of Sri Lanka. The word is Jimmy Anderson and Moeen Ali will be missing – despite the pair indicating they are keen to be considered.