England's cricket management was taken by surprise when they discovered injured fast bowler Jofra Archer had played for his former school team in Barbados. In an unforeseen move, Archer, England's talented fast bowler, was seen in action for his old school side in Barbados, showcasing his cricket skills in an under-the-radar match. Notably, Rob Key, England's Managing Director of Men's Cricket, seemed unaware of Archer's sudden appearance, causing a stir in cricketing circles.
Archer, 28, has been sidelined due to an elbow injury since March, prompting a dedicated recovery process. While training with England's white-ball teams in Barbados, he managed to impress by playing for Foundation against Lords. On the first day of a three-day match, Archer took 4-18, showcasing a mix of pace and left-arm spin.
The official Barbados Cricket website labelled Archer as the standout performer of the match. He dismissed the Lords team for 114 runs, claiming impressive figures of 4-18 for Foundation. Apart from his bowling, he also contributed with the bat, scoring 11 runs for his alma mater Christ Church Foundation.
Despite his spirited display, Rob Key was unaware of Archer's participation, mentioning, "I'm not aware of that – I'll find out," as per BBC reports.
Archer Will Not Feature In England’s Test Tour To India
Archer's absence from the Test squad bound for India in January is due to ongoing management of his return post-injury. Key stressed a cautious approach, refraining from setting deadlines for Archer's comeback. Dealing with a recurring elbow issue since 2020 and other health concerns, Archer's rehabilitation has become a priority for England.”We’re just going to take it slow with him; we don’t want to put any sort of deadlines on him,” Key explained.
The upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States holds significance for Archer's return, and England is prioritising his recovery process.
Despite Archer's interest in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, England chose to oversee his rehabilitation independently. It is understood that Archer will return to the UK after his training stint in the Caribbean. While his teammates prepare for a T20 series against the West Indies, Archer's unexpected appearance with his former school team adds an intriguing dimension to his recovery journey, prompting questions about communication within the England cricket camp.
As Archer continues his rehabilitation, the cricketing world eagerly awaits his return, recognizing his invaluable contribution to the team.