England on 21st march named their squad for the upcoming 3-match ODI series. Pacer Jofra Archer has been omitted from the squad following elbow problems which have worsened throughout the India tour.
ECB officially stated "Jofra Archer is returning to the UK for further management and investigation of his right elbow injury. Archer's elbow issue has deteriorated over the course of the Twenty20 International series and made it increasingly challenging for him to maintain performance levels. He has been deemed unfit for selection for the ODI series that features matches on 23, 26 and 28 March. The ECB medical team will assess the player and, together with Jofra, develop a treatment plan and a return-to-play schedule in due course. As a consequence, Jofra will miss the start of this year’s Indian Premier League."
Archer's absence is a big blow for Rajasthan Royals. The Englishman was RR's highest wicket-taker last season. Reports in England have suggested that Archer might opt out of the entire IPL season to concentrate on his comeback against New Zealand in the test series in June. Rajasthan Royals have the option of Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman and Andrew Tye as overseas quick bowlers but Archer's absence may leave a huge void in the team.
