As England unveiled their Test squad to face Ireland next month, fast bowler Jofra Archer was confirmed as having been ruled out of the Ashes due to a stress fracture in his right elbow.
The English and Wales Cricket Board announced in a statement that the 28-year-old Sussex fast, who most recently appeared in the Indian Premier League, will not play again “for the rest of the summer.” “Recent scans revealed he has sustained a recurrence of a stress fracture to his right elbow,” the ECB reported. “He will now spend time working on his injury management with the England and Sussex medical departments.
We know you'll be back stronger, Jof ❤️
💬 “We wish him the best of luck with his recovery. I’m sure we'll see Jofra back to his best and winning games for England."
🎙️ @RobKey612 pic.twitter.com/vL90D4TETA
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 16, 2023
On June 1, England takes on Ireland in a four-day Test match at Lord’s, followed later that month by a five-match Ashes series against Australia.
Ben Foakes will not be playing because Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, who broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle while playing golf, is now totally healthy and has been back with England since last August.
While Durham fast bowler Mark Wood is back after taking a sabbatical for the tour of New Zealand, Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes is back.
Ollie Pope, a batsman for Surrey, has been formally appointed with immediate effect as England’s vice-captain.
“It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer,” ECB managing director for England men’s cricket Rob Key stated. “Up until a recurrence of the elbow ailment that had held him out for a long time, he was making good progress. “We send him our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery.”