Rajasthan Royals still hopeful of Jofra Archer playing in IPL, working with ECB

Jofra Archer (BCCI)

Jaipur, Feb 6:  Rajasthan Royals are still hopeful of obtaining the services of star England pacer Jofra Archer for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

"We're working with the ECB to help Jofra Archer secure a speedy recovery, and still hope to see him in a Royals jersey this season," Royals said in a tweet.

Archer also tweeted that he aims to "be back soon."

Archer was on Thursday ruled out of England's Test tour of Sri Lanka and the upcoming IPL which begins on March 28.

Archer sustained a bone stress injury to his right elbow following England's opening Test against South Africa at Centurion last month and was ruled out of the final three matches of the four-match series which Joe Root's team won 3-1.

He underwent further scans on his injured right elbow on Wednesday in the UK which confirmed a low grade stress fracture, stated England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement.

"He will now commence an injury rehabilitation program with the ECB medical team with a view to be ready for the international summer campaign starting in June against the West Indies in a three-match Test series," it added.

England are scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka to play a two-Test series beginning March 19.

The 25-year-old fast bowler played 11 matches for Rajasthan Royals last season and scalped 11 wickets. In 2018, he had played 10 matches where he picked up 15 wickets.