‘Don’t think missing one game for England bothers him’: Jofra Archer backs criticism over IPL priority

Jofra Archer is said to be unfazed by criticism in England for missing the first Test against New Zealand due to IPL commitments with Rajasthan Royals. Assistant coach Trevor Penny said Archer remains relaxed despite comments from former captains Michael Atherton and Michael Vaughan. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has left the IPL after suffering a finger injury. MUMBAI: Jofra Archer is “not bothered” by criticism at home for 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 questioned Archer’s prioritization of the IPL over national duty, with Atherton describing the situation as “incredibly frustrating” in his column for The Times.Speaking ahead of RR’s IPL clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, Penny said Archer barely discussed it in the dressing room.“It’s a big tournament. Everyone knows the IPL is where he should come. If he misses one game for England, then for him,” Penny said. “I don’t think it bothers him. He might be a little upset, but he’s just being normal. The guys haven’t even talked about it.”England recently left Archer out of their squad for the opening Test against New Zealand as the ECB continue to manage his return to red-ball cricket after a long injury lay-off.A wounded Bethell returns homeJacob Bethell 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 that the youngster had injured his finger.