England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the upcoming white-ball tour of the Caribbean due to a setback in his rehabilitation from an elbow injury. Archer experienced elbow pain while training with the England squad at the World Cup in Mumbai, which has hampered his recovery from a stress fracture.
Archer’s injury troubles began during his stint with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he suffered a recurrence of the elbow stress fracture. This setback has kept him out of competitive cricket for 18 months. He made his comeback in January and participated in four ODIs and three T20Is during England’s tours of South Africa and Bangladesh.
Initially, England had hopes of including Archer in their World Cup squad, anticipating that he might be fit to play in the latter stages of the group stage. However, medical reports from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) indicated that his participation as a reserve was the “best-case scenario.”
Included in the World Cup squad as a reserve
In mid-September, Archer began bowling in the nets and continued his rehabilitation at Hove. He was even included in the World Cup squad as a reserve player. However, after a couple of light training sessions in Mumbai, Archer experienced discomfort in his elbow, leading to his return home. In an unusual turn of events, England chose to call up Brydon Carse instead of adding Archer to the squad, despite Reece Topley’s injury.
Rob Key, England’s managing director, expressed the team’s desire to have Archer back fit and playing for England, considering his potential contributions to future competitions like the Ashes and the T20 World Cup. However, they decided not to rush his return, prioritizing his long-term career over short-term gains.
Archer’s absence from both the ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies tour in December is another setback, with England opting to monitor his progress and reintegrate him when fully fit. Key emphasized the need for caution in his recovery process.
Recently signed a two-year central contract
Despite playing just seven games for England since March 2021, Archer recently signed a two-year central contract, reflecting England’s commitment to his rehabilitation and return to the team.
Key reiterated the team’s eagerness to see Archer back in action, saying, “We’re desperate for Jofra. We take that bet with him that we want him back fit and able to play for England, because of the upside.”
