Archer ruled out of Sri Lanka tour and IPL after stress fracture diagnosis
The right-arm fast bowler initially reported soreness of the elbow after the first Test against South Africa last month, leading to him missing the remaining three Tests. With the issue persisting England took the step to withdraw him from the T20I squad for the South Africa tour and send him home to focus on recovery.
BREAKING: Jofra Archer has been ruled out of England's tour to Sri Lanka, as well as this year's IPL, having been diagnosed with a stress fracture of his elbow. pic.twitter.com/lReL6WuS0w
— ICC (@ICC) February 6, 2020
The news is a major blow to England, with Archer having enjoyed considerable success in his brief Test career to date. His seven Tests have brought him 30 wickets at an average of 27, including three five-fors. The most recent of those was in that opening Test in South Africa, where he took 5/102 in the second innings.
Archer will now begin a rehabilitation program with England hoping he can regain full fitness before their first home Test of the year, against West Indies beginning on 4 June at The Oval.