Jofra Archer ruled out: England pace bowler Jofra Archer has been rested this entire year owing to the recurrence of a stress fracture on his right elbow.
This is the second blow for England as all-rounder Ben Stokes last week announced he is taking an “indefinite break” from the game to focus on his mental wellbeing.
Jofra Archer ruled out
The 26-year-old pacer is set to miss the current LV= Insurance Test series against India, IPL second phase, ICC Men’s T20 WC 2021, and the Ashes series in Australia.
“Jofra Archer underwent further scans on his injured right elbow last week. The scans revealed that he has suffered a recurrence of a stress fracture of his right elbow,” ECB said in a statement.
“In response to these findings, he has been ruled out for the rest of the year and will miss the current Test series against India, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, and the Ashes series in Australia.
“The 26-year-old, who had an operation in May to remove a bone fragment from his elbow, returned to play last month. As part of his return-to-bowling program, he became aware of increasing discomfort in his elbow during matches for Sussex in the Vitality Blast and a 50-over friendly against Oxfordshire. The operation is not related to the stress fracture that sidelined the player previously. He will now spend time on an extended break from cricket before returning for a medical review in early autumn,” further read the statement from ECB.
Alastair Cook Reacts
Former England captain Alastair Cook told BBC Test Match Special: “It’s huge news and very worrying for him.
“England had those best-laid plans of rest, rotation, and preparation to make sure these guys will be fit to get on the plane to Australia with a battery of fast bowlers.”
Team England is currently playing a 5 match test series against India at their home ground.
