Jofra Archer News: Jofra Archer will be absent for yet another summer, including a consecutive Ashes series, due to a recurring stress fracture in his right elbow. The ECB confirmed this news while announcing the squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland. After making a full recovery from a triple leg break, Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping responsibilities in place of Ben Foakes. Foakes was left out of the team.
This injury marks the third time Archer has experienced this setback. He was first forced to cancel England’s 2019–20 tour of South Africa due to this. Bairstow was also unable to participate in the 2021 T20 World Cup or the Ashes series in Australia that year.
He also didn’t play last summer because of a stress fracture in his lower back. Archer’s appearances in England have been limited, with only four competitive games since September 2020, including a match for Surrey’s Second XI the previous month, as he has been plagued by a series of injuries.
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ECB’s Statement on Jofra Archer Injury News
Rob Key, the ECB’s managing director for men’s cricket, expressed his sympathy for Jofra Archer. He stated, “It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer. He was progressing well until the elbow injury recurred, which had previously sidelined him for an extended period. We wish him the best of luck in his recovery. I am confident we will witness Jofra returning to his best and contributing to England’s victories, regardless of the format. Ideally, that will occur as quickly as possible.”
Jimmy Anderson has been selected in the 15-man squad despite missing the final three days of Lancashire’s County Championship match with Somerset due to a mild groin strain. Mark Wood, currently on paternity leave in anticipation of his first child’s birth, joins him. The seam options are further bolstered by Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Chris Woakes, and Ollie Robinson.
Who Will Deputy Stokes in The Ashes 2023-24?
Ollie Pope has been appointed vice-captain for the Ashes 2023-24. He is the first official appointment to the role since Ben Stokes assumed the captaincy last April. The timing of this announcement is noteworthy, considering the ongoing concerns surrounding Stokes’ left knee. It has increased the likelihood of his absence from the field during the Ireland Test, potentially for the entire duration. Broad identified Pope as a potential future captain earlier this year. He stated, “I think Popey is a great leader in the group. He has grown tremendously in the past year, showcasing his confidence and taking on more responsibility. There is no doubt that he can be seen as a future captain for England.”
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England Squad
The exclusion of Ben Foakes feels particularly harsh with the inclusion of Dan Lawrence, who offers greater versatility across the batting order. Lawrence, who was also part of the group that traveled to New Zealand in February, has expressed his eagerness to make a comeback to the team. He last represented England in the West Indies in March last year. Lawrence stated, “I might consider adjusting my position in the batting order, possibly moving up to No. 3 or even opening, just to enhance my chances of selection. If that’s the best way to make the team, I would definitely give it a try. I would bat at No. 9 for them; I am willing to bat anywhere if that’s what it takes to get in.”