Archer ruled out of Windies ODIs through injury

Due to a right thumb injury, Seamer Jofra Archer will miss England’s one-day international series against West Indies.

Due to an injury sustained while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, Archer will miss the series, which begins on May 29.

England stated that he would “reevaluate over the next fortnight to determine when he may return to action.”

The 30-year-old had been substituted for England Lions against India A in the following three-game T20 series.

Archer will miss at least the first of those four-day games, which would have been his first red-ball game in four years, because those games are scheduled for May 30 and June 6.

Since his last Test match appearance for England was in February 2021, he has suffered back and elbow injuries.

Wood has only taken two wickets in one ODI. In five T20s, the 29-year-old has taken eight wickets.

Harry Brook’s first white-ball captial role in England’s one-day series against West Indies is significant.

Regarding England’s qualification for the 2027 World Cup, it might have long-term effects.

Chief cricket correspondent, Stephan Shemilt

Any news of Jofra Archer getting hurt is worrying because of everything he has been through. Sincerely, this damage to his thumb is “only” permanent after years of suffering from back and elbow issues.

Archer has, however, followed a carefully thought-out route toward a potential return to Test cricket. Anything that causes a disruption has consequences.

Archer probably would have played two of the Lions’ three one-day games against West Indies before making his red-ball comeback against India A.

Archer’s thumb may heal before the Lions game, but that is not how simple it is to throw him in. A fast bowler must gradually rebuild their workload to make sure they are match-ready after any time out on the sidelines. The procedure will be the same for Archer.

In the unlikely event that Archer would have been able to play in the series’ second match against India, that would have been the best scenario. That could now be reversed, perhaps with some Sussex preparation for the Championship.

May

29: First ODI, Edgbaston (d/n) (13: 00 BST)

June

1: Second ODI, Cardiff (11: 00 BST)

3: Third ODI, The Kia Oval (d/n) (13: 00 BST)

6: First T20 international, Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street (d/n) (18: 30 BST)

Second T20 international, Bristol, 14:30 BST, 8:20