London: England’s star pacer Jofra Archer’s participation in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand was thrown into doubt again. It happened after Jofra Archer’s longstanding elbow injury resurfaced during Sussex’s county championship game against Kent.
The 26-year-old fast bowler has a history of elbow injuries. Due to the injury he missed two Tests against India and the currently-suspended IPL earlier this year.
Turning out for Sussex in his first competitive game after the injury lay-off, Archer registered figures of 2 for 29 in the first innings. However, the pacer could only bowl five overs in the second essay. He then complained of a sore elbow.
“If you saw today (Saturday) he’s not going to bowl tomorrow (Sunday). You’ll have to ask the ECB about Jofra,” Sussex head coach Ian Salisbury told reporters.
“Any time that Jofra can’t bowl you’re going to be frustrated as a leader, or as a team. But it happens. In sport people get injured. That’s life. That’s sport. He’s still willing to be out there because he wants Sussex to win. They (the ECB) had to give him permission to play this game. He’s not our player so they had to give permission,” Salisbury added.
England are scheduled to host New Zealand for a two-match Test series, starting June 2. The squad for the series is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
After the series against the Kiwis, Joe Root and his men are scheduled to host India for a five-match home Test series, beginning August 4.