There seems to be no end to Jofra Archer’s injury woes. In the latest setback, the speedster has been ruled out of the remaining games of the ongoing IPL and his participation in the upcoming Ashes is also in doubt.
Archer, who spent 17 months on the sidelines following elbow and back injuries before returning to international cricket in January, has once again been laid low by an elbow problem.
The 28-year-old played only five of Mumbai Indians’ 10 matches this season and reportedly underwent a minor operation on his troublesome right elbow last month.
The Ashes series against Australia begins at Edgbaston on June 16.
“The England & Wales Cricket Board can confirm that fast bowler Jofra Archer will return from the Indian Premier League with immediate effect,” the ECB said in a statement. “Archer has been recovering from right elbow surgery. However, pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging.
“Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery.”
Archer will return home this week and begin his rehab with the ECB medical department and his county team Sussex.
Archer’s England teammate Chris Jordan has replaced him in the Mumbai Indians squad.
“Archer was a key part of our campaign in the first half of this season,” the five-time IPL champions said in a statement.
“We wish him the best and cannot wait to have him back with us, fitter, stronger, quicker, deadlier.”
England will also be concerned about the Barbados-born player’s availability for their 50-overs World Cup title defence in India later this year.
Jordan made his IPL debut in 2016 for Royal Challengers Bangalore and has also represented Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings.
Jordan has so far played 28 IPL matches and has 27 wickets against his name. While Archer was bought by Mumbai for Rs 8 crore, Jordan, who went unsold at the last player auction, joins them for Rs 2 crore.
Written with inputs from Reuters
