
(Credit Skysports)
England fast-bowler Jofra Archer has openly admitted to feeling like a burden during his extensive injury lay-off and is now eagerly looking forward to representing the defending champions in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Following his departure from last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) due to right elbow pain and subsequent surgery, Archer endured an extended period on the sidelines. Despite a brief return to competitive cricket, he faced setbacks from persistent back and elbow injuries.
Throughout his recovery process, England has diligently managed Archer’s rehabilitation, retaining him on central contracts and guiding his return to cricket just in time for the World Cup campaign in Barbados, which is also Archer’s home turf.
Ahead of England’s highly anticipated clash against Australia at the Kensington Oval, Archer shared his emotions and reflections on the challenges he faced during his lengthy recovery period with reporters.“Sometimes you feel like a burden not playing. I’ve seen a few comments as well, people saying, ‘He’s on the longest paid holiday I’ve ever seen’.”
“You try to not let it get to you but you can ignore 100 of them and then sometimes the 101st is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I’ve changed a lot of my social media stuff just so you don’t see a lot, but there’s a little that always filters through. You’ve just got to keep going.”
“I found it a little worrying, not about my body…just the external stuff. But I was able to do most of my rehab out there and just to get away from the noise back in the UK was good.”
“Once you get the first ball out of the way, any nerves are gone. You tend to forget everything else and just focus. I feel that’s the best way. There’s so much surrounding the cricket before you bowl a ball. So much goes into playing a game.”
Earlier this week, Archer had a brief two-over spell at the Kensington Oval in a match that was unfortunately abandoned against Scotland. This moment held special significance for Archer as it fulfilled a lifelong dream of playing cricket in his hometown. To mark this memorable occasion, children from his old school and those of his teammate Chris Jordan were in attendance at the stadium, along with family and friends, to extend a warm welcome to the two players as they competed on home soil during the World Cup.
“It was a little bit emotional. I had a little bit of water in my eye, and it wasn’t the rain. The prime minister invited us up to the box when it got cancelled and she said she pretty much cancelled school, mine and CJ’s old schools, so the kids could come and watch us.”
“I saw a clip of one of the reporters as well – she went to primary school with me — and she was going around speaking to people on the ground. That was touching. I felt supported. I felt unbelievable.”
“I feel it’s the first time I’ve played at any cricket ground where maybe 80 per cent of the people were there to see me and knew my name and how to pronounce my name properly as well,” he said.