England head coach Matthew Mott has indicated that Jofra Archer would not be considered for selection following the injury to Reece Topley in the loss to South Africa. Topley suffered a serious injury during Saturday’s game. In the eighth over of the match, Topley attempted to field a straight drive from South African batter Rassie van der Dussen. Despite receiving quick treatment on the pitch, Topley was unable to continue bowling and was forced to leave the pitch before the over was completed. His left index finger was injured when the ball struck it during his attempt to stop it.
Topley returned to the field after more treatment, his wounded finger severely strapped, and managed to bowl again, even taking a wicket in his next over. However, the left-arm pacer’s injury has caused severe concerns for England’s bowling team, since he is suspected of having a broken finger and will be sidelined for the rest of the World Cup. Topley’s outstanding performance in the competition thus far, with eight wickets in three games, comes as a huge blow to England.
Aside from Topley’s injury, England’s cricket team is also missing Jofra Archer, who will not be considered for selection despite being a traveling reserve with the team. Archer, a major figure in England’s World Cup victory in 2019, has been ruled out owing to a long-standing elbow ailment. Despite the fact that Archer has joined the squad in India, his time there is solely for the medical personnel to examine his rehabilitation progress.
As a result, England coach Mott believes he will be unable to participate at the conclusion of the season. Jofra is actually not going to be considered for selection, Mott admitted. Jofra has come out, he has reported to the medical staff, but he is not going to be able to play a part at the end of this World Cup campaign, Mott added.
Earlier on Saturday, South Africa handed the reigning champions their biggest loss in the history of ODI cricket by 229 runs. England’s World Cup title defense is in absolute shambles after the Proteas tore apart the English side with one of the most dominant all-round performances.
England, who won the previous two white-ball ICC tournaments, have hit rock bottom in this edition, as their difficulties have spread across departments. They are now placed ninth in the standings. England will play Sri Lanka in a must-win game at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 26, Thursday.
