There is uncertainty over Jofra Archer’s return to the England team after the star pacer failed to bowl full throttle in his comeback match for Sussex Second XI.
The 25-year-old speedster has not played a match since England’s T20 series against India in March due to surgery on his hand which he injured after dropping a fish tank in the bath while cleaning it. Also, he has an ongoing elbow issue that required two cortisone injections.
According to a report in The Times, London, Archer “will be reassessed by England’s medical staff on Monday before a decision is taken about when he will play next”.
Archer bowled less than expected in his comeback match for Sussex Second XI. He took 2/102 from 29.2 overs against Surrey Second XI but he sat out the final day of the match, not bowling in the second innings. Reports say that he did not bowl at full speed.
The Second XI game was considered to be a precursor to Archer’s return to the Sussex first team against Kent in the County Championship starting on Thursday.
A successful outing in that match would have facilitated his return to international cricket during England’s series against New Zealand at the beginning of next month. But that now looks doubtful.
