Ahead of the key clash against Australia, the England team is sweating over the fitness of Jofra Archer. The fast bowler is experiencing a side strain, which kept him away from the practice session on Monday at Lords. Now, he undergoes a fitness test ahead of the historic clash.
Arch-rivals England and Australia will lock horns in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at Lord’s on Tuesday. Host England lost their last match to low-ranked Sri Lanka and are now placed in the fourth position with eight points. They have won four games and lost two.
In order to seal a spot in the semifinals, they need to win at least one to be in the race while two wins will give them a ticket to the next level. But, unfortunately, their key player Jofra Archer has become a doubtful starter for the game against Australia.
Jofra Archer didn’t bowl or took the field on Monday:
Revealing the news, a Notable Journalist of ESPN Cricinfo tweeted saying that Jofra Archer is experiencing a side strain and haven’t taken the field in the last day. Melinda Farrell also added that Jofra Archer will undergo a fitness Test ahead of the game.
”Jofra Archer undergoing a fitness test this morning after an issue with his side. He didn’t bowl or field yesterday at training,” her tweet read.
Jofra Archer undergoing a fitness test this morning after an issue with his side. He didn't bowl or field yesterday at training. #ENGvAUS #CWC19
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) June 25, 2019
Well, it will be a massive blow for the team if Jofra Archer fails to pass the fitness test. He has been their best bowler in the ranks so far alongside Mark Wood in the middle overs of the game.
England is yet to bag a semi-final spot. After Australia, they will face India and New Zealand which have not lost any game in the tournament so far. On the other hand, defending champion Australia stands at the second position with ten points. They have only lost to India in their World Cup campaign.
Jofra Archer, who did not find a spot in the preliminary squad, has proved that his inclusion in the final 15-member team was a wise decision. He took three wickets in the opening World Cup match and conceded just 27 runs in his seven overs against South Africa. The 24-year-old has bagged 15 wickets in six matches.