Jofra Archer’s ODI and start of IPL miss highlights strain of all three formats

In modern cricket, the strain of playing all three sessions is not possible for many cricketers. Some cricketers have decided to focus just on white-ball cricket. Some have decided to ply their trade with franchise cricket. One such individual is Jofra Archer. Archer will miss the three-match ODI series against India and also the start of the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. The reason- a troublesome elbow injury that has plagued him for a year. 

During the South Africa series, he missed three Tests due to two fractures on his right elbow. Archer could have missed the IPL in 2020 had it not been postponed. During the course of the tour to India, Archer’s elbow injury progressively got worse. He looked in considerable discomfort during the five-match Twenty20 International series which India won 3-2. Archer’s decision has been viewed by the management for him being fit for the 2021 ICC World T20 and Ashes.

“Obviously I want Jofra at the World Cup and the Ashes. From my point of view, he’s a great performer and I want him there. Yes, I have every confidence in my medics to make sure that they put the best treatment around him and give him the best chance,” England coach Chris Silverwood remarked.

Strain of playing all three formats

In his short career since the 2019 ICC World Cup, Archer has been dubbed as the X-factor. His list of injuries suggests that he is not a player who can bear the burden of playing all three formats. With his unavailability for the India ODIs, it will be close to a year that Archer will not have played the format. 

In Tests, he has only played six games in 14 months. Recently, former England captain Michael Vaughan questioned him on his desire for Test cricket which did not go down well with the pacer. With England cricket having some stars unavailable for the New Zealand Tests due to IPL, it raises questions of priorities. 

Should not play all three formats

In an interview to Hindustan Times in 2018, England keeper Jos Buttler highlighted the issues when it came to the club vs country debate. 

“Country, hopefully, always comes first. The climate of cricket has changed a lot with the IPL and the money the tournament offers. At the end of the day, we are professional athletes and we have a short career. To a big extent, earning as much money in that time is hugely important. I think there is nothing wrong in people wanting to specialise in the sport. It is becoming increasingly tough to play in all three formats. I don’t think we should have that snobbery that if you play cricket, you need to play all formats,” Buttler had remarked. 

With the bio-bubble fatigue proving to be a challenge, the welfare of players and the strain that they face in playing all formats need to be seriously monitored by Boards and the ICC.