England worried over Jofra Archer’s availability for the second Test against South Africa

The first Test match of the series was won by the Proteas, getting them their first points of the World Test Championship. The Proteas had posted scored of 284/10 and 272/10 in their two innings. In response to this, the English side was able to put up 181/10 and 268/10 in their two innings and lost the match by 107 runs. The series equation currently stands in favour of South Africa and with three more matches to go, Archer’s absence could be a big setback for England.

Jofra Archer’s availability for the second Test match of the series against South Africa has become a cause of worry for the England team’s management. The second Test is to be played at Cape Town, starting from the 3rd January and ending on the 7th.

After the second test match ended, the England cricket team had moved to Cape Town in order to practice before the match. But, a major setback awaited them over there. As reported by the ESPNCricinfo, the 24-year-old, Archer bowled just 6 balls in the net practice held on the first day of the year. Jofra reportedly had to move out of the nets with a sore elbow. This news must have worried the team management of England as the Archer’s exclusion could lead to a lot of selection woes for them.

England likely to play a spinner in their squad

The team has already lost the first Test and will not want to lose the second one too. The wicket at Cape Town is seemingly spinner friendly so the team would be looking to chip in an extra spinner into the side in the form of Dom Bess.

England also do have the option of Jack Leach but Bess will most probably be the first choice. And, if Archer fails to recover in time, he will have to be dropped. And, if he recovers, either Stuart Broad or James Anderson will have to sit out in order to make a place for him in the side.

With the match all set to begin from the 3rd January, England physio will be looking after Archer’s health eagerly. As in his absence, some changes will have to be made in the line-up and for that, the rest of the management and the captain will need some time to figure out the scheme of things.

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