Jofra Archer has been ruled out of next month’s Sri Lanka tour and the Indian Premier League after scans revealed he has a stress fracture of his right elbow. The fast bowler, who was ruled out of the final three Tests against South Africa, is targeting the first Test of the summer against West Indies as a possible comeback.
England confirmed that an initial scan had suggested only inflammation in the joint but a second, more detailed scan back in the UK, revealed a “low grade stress fracture”.
Archer will have another scan in four weeks and if the injuyry has shown signs of improvement will then commence a ‘back to bowling” programme of four to six weeks.
The ECB statement read: “England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Indian Premier League 2020 season.
“Archer underwent further scans on his injured right elbow yesterday in the UK which confirmed a low grade stress fracture.
“He will now commence an injury rehabilitation programme with the ECB medical team with a view to be ready for the international summer campaign starting in June against the West Indies in a three-match Test series.”
Archer has had a whirlwind year in England colours since his debut in an ODI against Ireland last May including playing a pivotal part in their World Cup win.
But he has endured his share of injuries including a side strain last summer and elbow problems.
The England man has played seven Tests, 14 ODIs and a T20 since last May but experienced pain to his elbow following the first Test at Centurion which flared up against in the warm up at Wanderers ahead of the fourth Test.
Archer was set to play for Rajastan Royal in the IPL 2020 season but that has now been shelved as England wrap him in cotton wool with the summer and the World T20 in mind.