Jofra Archer defends Joe Root after elbow injury: "It's not anyone's fault"

The England quick will miss the Sri Lanka series due to a stress fracture of his right elbow after bowling 400.5 overs in international cricket in 2019

• Silverwood says Archer treatment will change
• Archer bowled more overs than any of his England teammates in 2019

England seamer Jofra Archer insists Test captain Joe Root is not to blame for the stress fracture to his right elbow which has provoked criticism over how he is managed.

The 24-year-old missed the final three Tests of the South Africa series and was ruled out of the subsequent T20 internationals, as well as the upcoming Sri Lanka tour with the injury.

Archer sent down 400.5 overs in 2019, more than any other England bowler during the calendar year despite only making his debut in May.

Former captains Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen have both questioned the use of the Barbados seamer and head coach Chris Silverwood had admitted the team will have to change tact.

But Archer, who will also miss the Indian Premier League with the blow, has jumped to the defence of his skipper.

"It is not his fault I'm injured," he told ESPNcricinfo. "I've seen that (criticism) a lot actually.

"It's not anyone's fault. If everyone knew when you were going to get injured then there wouldn't be physiotherapists. There wouldn't be injuries really.

"I don't like it when people get blame wrongfully. It is not right, to be honest. He already has his own stuff to deal with. 

"Being captain is hard enough, a relied on batter as well comes with its own pressure. No one needs additional pressure which can hamper them and hamper the team. Look out for those who look out for you."