Harmy: Get Jof primed to Lord it over Aussies
ENGLAND are right to take every precaution to ensure Jofra Archer is “fit and primed” to burst into explosive Ashes action.
But they have also been urged to keep the injury-troubled speedster on a tight leash until the second Test at Lord’s.
That’s when Steve Harmison (below) feels Archer will be able to show his rapid, wickettaking best.
Archer, 28, sparked fresh concerns over his participation in the forthcoming battles with Australia by returning early from his IPL stint.
His on-going elbow problems forced him to fly home after playing just five games and taking two wickets for Mumbai Indians.
Archer (below) has had to undergo five minor operations on his right elbow in two years – with the final surgery only taking place last month.
It is a real worry for him and the England management with the Ashes starting in less than five weeks.
But former Test paceman Harmy said: “There’s always going to be headlines if Jofra misses a game or if he goes
off to
Belgium to see a specialist.
“Your elbow is a huge part of a fast bowler’s ability to perform. I never had a bad elbow injury but I had soreness from time to time and that came and went.
“Once you start bowling again it tends to wear off but Jofra’s problem is more serious.
“I believe England have a plan to ensure he’s fit to play in that first Test with Australia. It is part of the prevention policy to have him ready for the series and, if possible, the Ireland Test before that. “So, I don’t think it’s as negative as everybody may think. It’s possibly planned to get him primed and ready like a good racehorse for June 16.
“But I don’t expect him to be playing in the first Test with Australia. I expect Mark Wood to play in that one alongside Jimmy Anderson and Ollie Robinson or Stuart Broad.
“Personally, I’d be cautious with him. If it was my call, I’d get him ready and firing for Lord’s.
“He’s got some playing time having bowled in the IPL.”