PAIN IN THE ARCH
Injury set to keep pace ace out of crucial Test
(right)
JOFRA ARCHER is almost certain to miss tomorrow’s vital second Test.
The England bowler has suffered an elbow injury that prevented him fully taking part in the nets yesterday. That session was the first time the entire squad trained together on the tour after the illness that swept through the camp and reduced the numbers at practice.
Archer was unable to bowl and only batted after complaining of discomfort in his bowling arm, which was heavily strapped.
It seems the 24-year-old will not be able to train properly today either, all but ruling him out of the game in Cape Town.
His absence would mean Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad keeping their places, after it looked like one of them would be dropped, with England likely to play Dom Bess.
Ollie Pope seems certain to play ahead of Jonny Bairstow from DEAN WILSON in Cape Town
and after the enforced bowling change the rest of the side keep their places.
That means another chance for Jos Buttler to prove his Test skills match his one-day efforts.
He has vowed to start 2020 with a more positive approach to his batting after being inspired by opposite number Quinton de Kock.
The South African had a game to remember in Centurion where his 95 in the first innings and quickfire 30 in the second propelled his side to a 107-run win.
He was the difference between the sides and did it with a counter-attacking style that could be the hallmark of Buttler’s cricket.
“It’s certainly something I’m trying to work out,” he said. “I think since I’ve come back into Test cricket I’ve tried to trust my defence for longer periods of time.
“I’ve been able to do that on occasions. For me, moving forward I’ve got to play the situation but I will try to be a bit more positive.
“You look at the opposition and Quinton played a really good knock. He put pressure back on the bowlers, tried to take the initiative and watching from behind the stumps that resonated with me.
“You try to sum up situations and try to work out how best you can score. You work out your risk management. What is too much risk, what is trying to push the game on.
“Certainly as far as I’m concerned, looking ahead to this Test I want to look to be a bit busier and on the positive side.”