Ben Brown says he feels for Jofra Archer after his Sussex comeback was cut short.

The England fast bowler managed just five overs in the second innings of a rain-affected draw at home to Kent.

He was thrown the ball on Saturday and quickly returned it to skipper Brown, saying he was not fit to bowl.

Archer was not involved today as an LV= Insurance County Championship tussle which had promised much for two days fizzled out.

He has been withdrawn from Test series versus New Zealand and will see a consultant this week.

Brown was clearly annoyed at the time when Archer could not bowl due to a sore elbow.

The fast bowler was hoping to build fitness after elbow and finger injuries.

Brown said: “It was just a communication thing. I asked whether he was going to have a bowl and he said he would try but he meant in a warm-up capacity, not in the game. There was a little bit of confusion.

“The real issue is a sad one for Jof. I think it is sad when any champion sportsman can’t do what they are so brilliant at.

“I am sure anybody watching was frustrated for Jof as well.

“It’s a difficult situation for Jof at the moment and I really feel for him.

“He is someone who always loves his cricket, loves bowling.

“That skill, at times that toy he has in his hand of bowling quick, is taken away.”

Archer played for Sussex 2nds the previous week and as he aims to return to England action.

Brown said Archer first reported discomfort in this match after a four-over initial burst on Thursday morning, which saw him take 2-6.

He added: “There is a lot of vested interest in Jof. Sometimes I feel for him.

“There is a bit of a media circus around him, so many invested parties in his fitness and things like tat.

“There are probably a few messages coming in one direction or the other. You probably have to ask Jof that.

“I just try to help him when he is here get the best out of himself and his body and rhis week has been really challenging for him.

“I think he was probably much more hopeful of how this game would go than it has gone.”