Archer is unlikely to have bowled or fielded in the nets and is ruled out of competitive action until the English summer. However, the right-arm speedster’s presence in England’s bio-bubble offers significant hope. The 26-year old reportedly did only some sprinting drills and caught up with his teammates.
The speedster is one of several first-choice players to miss the white-ball series in the Caribbean. Aside from Archer, the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan will also miss the series, after participating in the Ashes.
The likes of Olly Stone, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Lewis Gregory and David Willey have also been ruled out due to injuries.
“It’s good to have Jofra Archer around” - George Garton
Fast bowler George Garton, who is part of the English T20I squad in the West Indies, feels elated by Archer’s presence in the squad, having played with him in Sussex. The 24-year old said, as quoted by BT Sport:
Jofra Archer hasn’t played for England since March last year. He missed the 14th season of the IPL due to elbow surgery. Subsequently, it emerged that the limited-overs specialist would miss the T20 World Cup in the UAE and the Ashes in Australia as well.
England dearly missed Archer’s services in the Ashes as Mark Wood’s pace rattled the Aussie batters. The 26-year old’s presence could have potentially made the series, which the Three Lions lost 4-0, more competitive. Eoin Morgan and co. also felt the paceman’s absence in the T20 World Cup, where England suffered a semi-final exit against New Zealand.
Archer currently has 86 international wickets in 42 games across formats. One would have to believe his best years are ahead of him if he stays fit.
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