No IPL for Archer even with a speedy recovery

ENGLAND insist Jofra Archer will not be allowed to play in this year’s Indian Premier League even if he is fit in time to take up his £800,000 contract with Rajasthan Royals.

Sportsmail revealed yesterday that Archer, who was found to have a stress fracture in his elbow at the end of the Test tour to South Africa, was ahead of schedule in his recovery and was still hopeful of heading to India towards the end of the IPL in April.

But England quickly put paid to any such plans when they said yesterday that Archer would instead begin his comeback with Sussex at the start of the County Championship season as long as there are no further setbacks. ‘Following a repeat MRI scan in London, Jofra Archer is progressing as expected and will have a further scan in April before returning to competitive cricket,’ said an ECB spokesman.

‘His focus will be playing for England, starting with the West Indies Test series in early June. He will play County Championship cricket in May for Sussex to ensure his preparation is optimal for Test cricket.’

There was no mention of the IPL in the statement.

England have been criticised for over-bowling their new prize asset so they now understandably want to make absolutely sure he is rested and fully fit for the Test series this summer against West Indies and Pakistan and, in October, the Twenty20 World Cup. ‘My priority is getting him right for England and our summer,’ said England coach Chris Silverwood. ‘Sussex will play a big part.’

An England squad without the injured Archer made a quiet start to their tour of Sri Lanka, making 316 all out against an inexperienced Sri Lanka Cricket XI.

Joe Root led from the front with 78 and there was also a measured 79 from Jos Buttler.