Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the Rajasthan Royals' 2020 Indian Premier League campaign.
Archer sustained an elbow injury during England's recent Test series against South Africa. The injury sidelined him from the T20I series against the same country.
What the ECB said about Archer
“As a result of the injury, he has been ruled out of England's Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Indian Premier League 2020 season. He will now commence an injury rehabilitation programme with the ECB medical team with a view to be ready for the international summer campaign starting in June against West Indies in a three-match Test series,” read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
The Royals squad features Australian seamer Andrew Tye, West Indian fast bowler Oshane Thomas and England's Tom Curran. If they recruit a replacement for Archer, Australia's Sean Abbott, the West Indies' Alzarri Joseph, Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman, England's Mark Wood or New Zealand's Adam Milne are available. Abbott, Joseph, Rahman, Wood and Milne were in the player auction for the 2020 tournament, but went unsold.
Rajasthan hire Sodhi
The Royals will have New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi as a bowling consultant this season. He will work alongside Australian Andrew McDonald, who has succeeded former head coach Paddy Upton.
“I am delighted to be taking on this new challenge at the Rajasthan Royals. Having played for two seasons for the Royals, I have formed a great level of understanding with all the people involved with the franchise, and they have always been very supportive of me. Therefore, I did not have to think twice when this opportunity was offered to me by the Royals' management. I love this franchise and want to help us win the IPL this year,” said Sodhi.
“It is a fascinating opportunity for me, to be involved in the coaching staff at such a young age, while also supporting and learning about the operations of the business. I am very much looking forward to developing my coaching skills.”
