The England and Wales Board confirmed that Jofra Archer has been ruled out of their two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on 2 June at Lord’s. Archer’s long-standing right elbow injury resurfaced during his recent outing in the County Championship.
Archer was forced out of IPL 2021 before its postponement after he underwent a surgery on the middle finger of his right hand. He also has a dodgy elbow. In March, he had received a series of cortisone injections to play against India in T20Is.
After missing out on the early stages of the County Championship, Archer returned for Sussex this week, against Kent at Hove. In the first innings, he picked up two wickets with the new ball. However, he could only bowl five overs in the second innings and was unable to be in action for the final two days following his complaint of a sore elbow.
‘The England and Sussex medical teams will now seek guidance,’ said the ECB media release. ‘Archer will see a medical consultant later this week to determine the next course of action on the management of his elbow’.
The England squad for the New Zealand Tests are likely to be announced on Tuesday, 18 May. Following the series (and the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand), Joe Root’s side will play a five-match Test series against India, beginning 4 August.