England pacer Jofra Archer has suffered another injury setback. Due to a finger injury, he has been ruled out of the upcoming Metro Bank ODI series against the West Indies. This also puts his potential return in a red-ball match for the England Lions against India in doubt.
Archer sustained the injury while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. On May 4, during a narrow one-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, he injured the little finger on his right hand while fielding. Initially, the injury didn’t appear serious, but later scans revealed ligament damage. Following the suspension of the IPL, Archer did not return to India.
He was initially named in England’s 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series starting on May 29 at Edgbaston. However, due to the injury, he has been withdrawn from the squad, and England’s medical team will continue to monitor his condition over the coming weeks.
In Archer’s place, left-arm pacer Luke Wood from Lancashire has been added to the squad. Wood was already part of the T20I squad for the June series as Archer’s replacement. So far, Wood has played two ODIs for England but is yet to take a wicket.
It’s worth noting that Archer has been plagued by injuries since 2021, including a persistent elbow problem and a stress fracture in his back. He made a comeback to international cricket in May last year and featured in both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy. However, this latest injury has once again stalled his progress.
UA / TDS
