England fast bowler Joffra Archer has been ruled out of this year’s Ashes series due to injury. Archer’s departure is seen as a major blow to England. Former Australian captain Allan Border also claimed Archer will be missed by the England team in the Ashes series. The Ashes series between England and Australia will start from June 16.
Archer will be out of the cricket field for the next several months due to the recurrence of a stress fracture in his right elbow. Archer has not played a Test for England since March 2021. Archer returned to international cricket earlier this year after battling elbow and back injuries for almost two years.
edge said, "Archer worried our boys in the last series so it’s a big blow for England. It’s good for Australia to have that X-factor bowler who you know is going to cause problems for the opposition no matter the lane. He has that fast pace that no one likes to take on him."
Australia aiming for Ashes victory
Archer made his England Test debut at the 2019 Ashes, taking 22 wickets at an average of 20.27. Border said. "It’s really a big blow for England. He is a bowler who can win series on his own. He is one of those exciting bowlers you don’t want to face, especially in England."
Former Australian all-rounder Brendan Julian said: "It’s a shame he’s not in the series because whether you’re on the Australian side or the English side, you want players like that to be available there. This is very disappointing for the series."
Australia have not won an Ashes series in England since 2001, while the Ben Stokes-led team will be looking to win the Ashes back for the first time since 2015. After Edgbaston hosts the first Ashes test, the remaining tests will be held at Lord’s, Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval.
(with agency contributions)
