Another cruel blow for Jofra Archer as England seamer is ruled out of entire English summer

Following further assessment by the ECB's medical department, it has been determined that Archer has suffered another stress fracture in his elbow. As a result, he will not be available in any format for England, Sussex or Southern Brave

Sam Morshead | 16/05/2023 at 10:00

Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the entire English summer.

The seamer retured from the Indian Premier League after suffering from ongoing pain in his right elbow, despite a series of surgeries - the most recent of which took place in April.

Following further assessment by the ECB's medical department, it has been determined that Archer has suffered another stress fracture in the joint. As a result, he will not be available in any format for England, his county Sussex or Hundred side Southern Brave in 2023.

It is another cruel twist of fate for the fast bowler, who has struggled with various injuries since 2020.

archer_16052302

Jofra Archer during an ODI in Bangladesh in March 2023 [AFP via Getty Images]

He only returned to regular competitive cricket in January, following a long layoff, and featured in the SA20 and for England on tours of South Africa and Bangladesh.

However, after appearing in Mumbai Indians' opening IPL match this season, he was conspicuous by his absence over the following fortnight. It later emerged he had travelled to Belgium to see a specialist, and the ECB subsequently confirmed he had undergone another minor operation.

While he returned to the IPL, and played five times for Mumbai, he was not at his electrifying best, having had to play through the pain.

Earlier in May, the ECB recalled him from his stint in India for further observation and rehabilitation. Scans then revealed the extent of the damage to his elbow.

Managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key said: "It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer. He was making good progress until a recurrence of the elbow injury, which kept him out for an extended period previously.

archer_16052303

England seamer Jofra Archer [Getty Images]

"We wish him the best of luck with his recovery. I'm sure we will see Jofra back to his best and winning games for England, whatever the format. Hopefully, sooner rather than later."

While this setback is currently only being described as the English summer by the ECB, Archer's involvement in England's 50-over World Cup title defence is now in serious jeopardy.

Jos Buttler's side will open the competition, against New Zealand, on October 5 - just nine days after their final white-ball game of the summer.

Meanwhile, England have confirmed their Test squad for the game against Ireland at Lord's from June 1.

Ben Foakes has been dropped, with Jonny Bairstow returning to the group after recovering from a broken leg. The Yorkshireman will also keep wicket.

Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are included, as is Dan Lawrence of Essex and Durham's Matthew Potts.

Ollie Pope has been named as the full-time vice-captain of the Test side, though Ben Stokes is expected to be fit enough to lead the team. Stokes has barely played for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL because of knee and toe problems.