If England is to win the Ashes, they’ll have to do it without star quick Jofra Archer.
The ECB confirmed late on Tuesday (AEST) that Archer has been ruled out for the English summer, meaning he’ll likely miss the coveted five-Test series in its entirety.
Archer had left the IPL early to manage an elbow complaint that had been uncomfortable for the 28-year-old and was expected to be sidelined for the coming few weeks.
But he’s now ruled out for the medium-term future with the recurrence of a stress fracture.
“It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer," ECB Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket Rob Key said.
“He was making good progress until a recurrence of the elbow injury, which kept him out for an extended period previously.
“We wish him the best of luck with his recovery. I’m sure we will see Jofra back to his best and winning games for England, whatever the format. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.”
Archer played four Ashes Tests in England’s last home Ashes series, taking 22 wickets at an astonishing average of 20.27.
Meanwhile James Anderson has been named to play Ireland at Lord's on June 1. The 40-year-old recently suffered a groin strain playing for County side Lancashire and was expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
The first Ashes Test begins on June 16.