Archer has not played at the highest level for nine months and his absence will last for more than a year after it was decided that the recurrent stress fracture in his right elbow required another operation; has already been ruled out of the three-test tour of the West Indies in March
Jofra Archer has not played at the highest level for nine months
England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer has suffered a new injury, undergoing a second elbow operation that will keep him out of action until next summer.
Archer has not played at the highest level for nine months and his absence will last until more than a year after it was decided that the recurrent stress fracture in his right elbow needed another operation.
He underwent surgery on Saturday and, although the prognosis is still unclear, he has already been ruled out of the three-test tour of his native West Indies in March.
That series had been the 26-year-old’s stated return goal, but now he must set his sights on England’s national campaign in 2022.
Archer’s absence was deeply felt during the ongoing Ashes campaign, a journey in which he was expected to play a key role before the extent of his fitness issues became apparent.
Now there are legitimate concerns about what kind of international career Archer will be able to enjoy.
He made a stunning appearance on the world stage in 2019, leading England’s attack in their triumphant World Cup campaign and making a striking Test debut against Australia at Lord’s just weeks later.
But he’s never been able to recapture the magic of those early performances, due in large part to the physical setbacks he’s been railing against.
He is a hugely attractive asset on the lucrative Twenty20 circuit, but has previously voiced his desire to prove himself in the five-day format. It remains to be seen if your body allows you to do so.
Speaking to Australian broadcaster Channel 7 earlier this month, Archer was optimistic about his rehabilitation.
“The results (of the scan) came in yesterday and they were quite promising, actually, everything is progressing well,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of waiting a little longer and having a little more patience because I’m almost at the end of the road.”
Announcing the latest disappointing developments, the Cricket Board of England and Wales said: “Jofra Archer underwent a second operation on his injured right elbow on Saturday 11 December in London. The procedure addressed the long-standing stress fracture of his right elbow.
“A return to cricket will be determined in time, but Jofra will not be available for any of England’s remaining winter series.”
