Jofra Archer unfazed by England criticism over IPL, says assistant coach

Jofra Archer is “not bothered” by criticism back home over missing England’s first Test against New Zealand due to his IPL commitments, according to Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penny.

Former England captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan had questioned Archer prioritising the IPL 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 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Penny said Archer had hardly discussed the issue inside the dressing room.

“It’s a big tournament. Everybody knows IPL is the thing to come to as well. If he misses one game for England, then so be it for him,” Penny said.

“I don’t think it bothers him. Maybe he’d be a bit annoyed, but he’s just getting on as normal. Guys haven’t even spoken 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.

Injured Bethell returns home

Jacob 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 the youngster had injured his finger.