Jofra Archer Injury Update: The English captain was vocal about the World Cup hero’s availability for the second Test to be played at Lord’s.
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From being restricted to 122/8 in the first innings to a comprehensive 251-run victory, Australia successfully turned things round in the first 2019 Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Speaking about the loss, England captian Joe Root expressed his disappointment before throwing accolades on Australia batsman Steve Smith.
“It does hurt, bitterly disappointing, I thought we played some good cricket but credit to Australia. Two brilliant innings [from Steve Smith], we have to keep working hard on trying to get him out,” Root was quoted as saying during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Among the main reasons why England lost was veteran fast bowler James Anderson getting injured after bowling just four overs during the match. Being asked about the decision to play Anderson in the first place, Root disclosed that it was a team decision.
“Hard losing Jimmy [James Anderson] early on but these things happen. Group decision, he passed the fitness tests. It’s disappointing but we’ve got to try and respond to that at Lord’s. Not sure [about Anderson’s availability for Lord’s Test], have to wait on the scans,” Root said.
Jofra Archer Injury Update
If Anderson doesn’t recover from his injury, a fitting replacement would be England’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 hero Jofra Archer. However, what remains to be seen is the progress on Archer’s own injury. If fit, England might be tempted to play Archer alongside Anderson.
“Have to see how he [Jofra Archer] shapes up as well. We don’t have to make any shotgun decisions in terms of selection, important we’re clear on how we want to go. [Break between Tests] Gives us a chance to get away, regroup, make sure this doesn’t have a hangover effect,” Root added.
