Jofra Archer outlines difficulties in ‘bubble’ as England prepare to face India

Jofra Archer has spoken of the difficulties of life in the “bubble” and backed England’s rotation policy as he prepares to return to action in the Test series against India, which starts in Chennai on Friday.
The Sussex paceman was rested for the 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka, along with all-rounder Ben Stokes, and England have already excused Mark Wood, Jonny Bairstow and Sam Curran from the first two Tests in Chennai.
Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will also head home after the series opener despite being a star performer with bat and gloves over the past couple of games as England prepare for a demanding schedule.
The many face of @JofraArcher – taking a breather after bowling earlier. 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/8vm8MhgLI5
— Danny Reuben (@dannyreuben) February 2, 2021
Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India will all tour England in the summer before England face a T20 World Cup and an Ashes series Down Under.
“Funnily enough I have looked at the schedule today and all I can say is it is going to be a very long year,” the 25-year-old Archer told a press conference after a practice session session at the M A Chidambaram Stadium.
“We have a few series coming up and body management is going to be essential if I want to play everything, or most of everything. Managing your body is going to be really important.
“Anyone criticising us has never been in the bubble. We have been in a bubble for months, we have been in here for almost a year now.
Great to be at it. @englandcricket arrive for their first formal practice in 🇮🇳🏏#weareengland pic.twitter.com/G44YrTBfg6
— Danny Reuben (@dannyreuben) February 2, 2021
“I think we have to go in and out because humans are social people. It starts to get hard if you are not having a great game or not feeling good with your cricket because there is nowhere to go.
“I think the ECB has made it really great to give people like myself six weeks away.
“Jos is away after this game, Sam has gone, so they are making it a priority that everyone gets time away so they can come back refreshed and ready to go.”
Relishing time out of bio-bubble
Archer has spent as much time as anybody in the bubble and he is sustained by the prospect of getting time away.
“I don’t have a choice really,” he said. “I don’t mind to be honest because I know I will get my time away.
Archer says he is fresh and feeling rejuvenated after spending time in his native Barbados, where he continued to train.
“I haven’t really stopped,” he said. “I’ve been training in my time off. The drive hasn’t stopped when the cricket stopped.”
Although he has played in the IPL, red-ball cricket in India will be a new experience for Archer, who says the seamers are ready to play second fiddle to the spinners.

“It doesn’t really matter, whatever is going to contribute to the win,” he said. “If that means me and the other seamers have to do the hard work, then so be it.
“I’ve never played with a red ball over here. The white ball is a different dynamic. You can’t really compare the two.”
Meanwhile, Archer has praised Joe Root ahead of his 100th Test and is tipping the captain to eventually overtake Alastair Cook’s England record of 161 caps.
“He’s really reassuring, not just for me, but for every person in the team,” Archer said.
“He’s a great man-manager. A great person as well. It’s no surprise that he’s played 100 Tests. I think he’s probably got 70 left in him as well. He’s definitely not near the end.”
Latest
-
News
India v England, day 2: Ben Stokes efforts fail to turn tide in England’s favour
Rishabh Pant’s remarkable century and the folly of England’s imbalanced attack left India in full control.
-
News
Rishabh Pant’s brilliant century gives India stranglehold in Ahmedabad
Pant built to a brilliant 101 as he changed the complexion of the game.
-
News
I was told to ‘die in a hole’ – Alex Hartley reveals online abuse over tweet
The former England international received a barrage of abuse over a tongue-in-cheek post.
-
News
Ben Stokes removes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as England fight back
England scrapped their way back into contention as they left their opponents 153 for six, with Stokes to the fore in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Ben Stokes dismisses Virat Kohli for a duck as England battle back against India
The hosts struggled to 80 for four at lunch, with a disciplined bowling display making matters difficult in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Temba Bavuma and Dean Elgar named Proteas captains
Temba Bavuma is set to lead the Proteas in the 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups as well as the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2023
-
News
Ben Stokes admits England came up well short with the bat again in India
The tourists were skittled for 205 after winning the toss.
-
News
India v England, day 1: England left to rue familiar failings
The tourists surprised many by selecting James Anderson as their only frontline seamer.
-
News
England’s batting woes in India continue on opening day of fourth Test
The tourists were skittled for 205 after winning the toss.