Jofra Archer replacement: Rajasthan Royals leading speedster has returned back to England for national duty.
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During the 45th match of the ongoing 12th season of the Indian Premier League between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad at Jaipur, Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Jofra Archer hasn’t been included in their Playing XI.
Having been named in the England squad for the first time for the series against Pakistan, Archer has returned back home to perform national duty. In 11 matches for Royals, Archer picked up 11 wickets at an average of 26.45, an economy rate of 6.76 and a strike rate of 23.45.
Given his numbers and his ability with the bat, there is no hiding to the fact that Archer will be duly missed at Rajasthan Royals.
Other than Archer, Royals will also miss the services of English all-rounder Ben Stokes who is also named in England’s squad. Unlike Archer, the 27-year old all-rounder had been found wanting in both the batting and bowling department in IPL 2019.
In nine matches, Stokes scored 123 runs at an average of 20.50 and a strike rate of 124.24. With the ball in hand, Stokes dismissed six batsmen at an average of 31.50, an economy rate of 11.22 and a strike rate of 16.83.
Jofra Archer replacement
Having won the toss, Rajasthan captain Steven Smith put the opposition in to bat. “We are going to bowl. It looks similar to the wicket we played on against Delhi. Probable a fraction slower.
“Just those two changes. Those two [Stokes and Archer] are out. [Liam] Livingstone comes in and so does Ashton Turner. Hopefully we can put on a show for our home fans. They have been a force and big thanks to them. Hopefully we can end our home journey on a high,” Smith was quoted as saying during the toss.
While Turner has played three matches in the tournament, Livingstone has played only one match so far.
