Jofra Archer is said to be unfazed by criticism in England over missing the first Test against New Zealand due to IPL commitments with Rajasthan Royals. Assistant coach Trevor Penny said Archer remains comfortable despite comments from former captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has left the Indian Premier League after suffering a finger injury.
MUMBAI: Jofra Archer is “not bothered” by criticism in his homeland over his absence from England’s first Test against New Zealand due to his IPL commitments, according to Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Binnie.Former England captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan questioned Archer about prioritizing the Indian Premier League over national duty, with Atherton describing the situation as “incredibly frustrating” in his column for The Times.
Speaking ahead of RR’s must-win IPL match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Binny said Archer hardly discussed the issue inside the dressing room.“It’s a big tournament. Everyone knows the Indian Premier League is the thing we have to come to as well.
“If he misses one game for England, so be it for him,” said Benny. “I don’t think it bothers him. Maybe he’ll be a bit upset, but he’s acting like normal. The guys haven’t even talked about it.”England recently left Archer out of their squad for the opening Test against New Zealand as the ECB continues to manage his return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy injury layoff.An injured Bethell returns homeJacob Bethell has ended his IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after suffering a finger injury. The 22-year-old missed RCB’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, with captain Rajat Patidar confirming that the youngster injured his finger.