England’s right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the second Test of the four-match series against India. Which will run from February 13 to February 17, 2021 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Jofra Archer Ruled out of the second Test vs India
Archer has sustained an elbow injury and for the same reason didn’t attend England’s training season on Thursday, February 11 as the team returned to practice after scripting a stunning victory in the first Test by a massive 227 runs.
“Jofra Archer will miss England Men’s second Test against India in Chennai starting on Saturday after having an injection in his right elbow. The injection follows discomfort the fast bowler experienced during the 227-run win in the first Test at the same venue,” ECB said in a release.
However, ECB clarified that Archer’s issue is not related to any previous injury and he is expected to recover in time for the third Test in Ahmedabad.
4 More Changes in England Squad
Other than Archer, England have made 4 changes in the team with the likes of James Anderson, Dom Bess, and Jos Buttler also being benched.
“England to make four changes in the final XII. Bess, Anderson, Archer, and Buttler miss out. We are giving Anderson the best opportunity to be fully fit for the last two Tests,” skipper Root said in a virtual press conference organised by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Friday.
England’s 12-man squad for 2nd Test against India in Chennai
Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Joe Root(C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach, Olly Stone.
England have also had a few injury issues since the start of the series. Earlier last week, opener Zak Crawley was ruled out due to a wrist injury. He had injured himself during England’s practice Test in Chennai.
Much has been said about Jonny Bairstow’s continuous absence from the Test team. Root did confirm that it would be Foakes who will take the gloves in Jos Buttler’s absence for the next three Tests while Bairstow will feature in the third and fourth Test as a specialist batsman.
Also read: England Announces the T20 Squad for the India Series
