England captain Eoin Morgan has on Monday (March 22) made it clear that he can’t give a medical opinion on Jofra Archer while saying the speedster’s availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 in India will depend on the outcome of the investigation on his injury by the medical team.
Morgan's comments came after the speedster was ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting on Tuesday (March 23) in Pune after exacerbating his elbow injury in the recent five-match T20I series against India. He will also miss the early phase of the IPL 2021.
Now, Archer is returning to England for further management and investigation of his right elbow injury after it worsened during the recent T20I series which the tourists lost to Team India 3-2.
Morgan said during a virtual press conference: “To be honest, I cannot give a medical opinion. We know the situation with his elbow, it has progressively gotten worse. We know that it needs investigation, only time will tell. He has given his heart and soul to us since he has been involved so we will give him full attention in order to try and bring the best result possible.”
The skipper further added, “It all depends on the outcome of the investigation that the medical team will do (Archer's return to India for IPL). They will determine the best rehabilitation program coming back and we will go from there. We fully trust our medical team; they have outstanding regarding player welfare and player rehabilitation. The trust is always there.”
On being asked whether England would look to play ODIs as an extension of T20I cricket, Morgan said: “I don't think there is a strong enough argument. I think given that the 50-over format has been probably as close to T20 there are certain familiar scenarios that work themselves out.
There are pockets of the game that replicate T20 cricket. There is a very limited change between both squads; guys are skilled enough to play both formats even though it is T20 World Cup year.”
He further explained, “We have plenty of options, we are spoiled for choice. Throughout the ODI series, you will guys get an opportunity more so than we did in the T20I series so yeah, it is going to be exciting. Playing three ODIs on the same ground against a very strong Indian side, it is a huge opportunity for everyone to go out there and get in the 50-over format.”
Morgan signed off by saying, “ODI series win is not a consolation prize; this is a huge opportunity for the guys who have been here on the fringes. When you score the runs or take wickets away from home, there is a huge incentive to try and push your case forward. We have ODI Super League points at stake to qualify for the next World Cup.”
(With ANI Inputs)
