Fast bowler Jofra Archer out of IPL, a big blow to Rajasthan Royals

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Archer, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, will also be out of the Sri Lanka Test tour of England.

England star fast bowler Joffra Archer is out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Archer, 24, has a fracture in his right elbow. He suffered this injury during the first Test match against South Africa in December. Archer’s absence is considered a major setback for the Rajasthan Royals’ pace attack.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that Archer, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, will also be out of England’s Test tour against Sri Lanka. It is said that Archer will stay away from cricket for 3 months. England have to play a two-match Test series on the Sri Lanka Round. The first Test of the series will be played from 19 March. After this, the IPL matches will start from March 28.

The ECB said, “Archer underwent a scan of his injured right elbow in Britain yesterday, which confirmed a mild fracture.” He will now have to go through a period of rehabilitation, so that he recovers before the three-Test series against West Indies starting in June.

Archer suffered from a right elbow during the series in South Africa in December, when he only played the Boxing Day Test. Born in Barbados, the Pacer has represented England in 7 Tests and 14 ODIs, taking 30 and 23 wickets respectively. He has also played a T20 International.

This is a major setback for Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL starting next month. In 21 IPL matches, Archer has taken 26 wickets at an average of 23.69.

In his first IPL season in 2018, he took 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.66, while in the 2019 season, he took 11 wickets at an average of 26.45.