In another blow to Jofra Archer’s ambitions of reviving his international career, the England fast bowler has been ruled out for the rest of the summer, thus putting him out of the 2023 Ashes as well.
ECB confirmed this on Tuesday, May 16, when they named the team for the one-off Test against Ireland.
Following the return of a stress fracture in his right elbow, the 28-year-old was recently rolled out of the IPL 2023, in which he was representing MI.
The pacer will now undertake rehabilitation with the England and Sussex medical staff, who will monitor his injuries.
In an earlier statement, ECB had said that Archer was “pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing” but could not take any further part in the IPL.
Following the recent update about his fitness, we look at three reasons why Archer’s absence is a major setback for England’s Ashes 2023 chances.
1) He provides the X-factor to the bowling line-up
Leaving aside skill, Archer is someone who has that X-factor when he is totally fit and ready to go.
In a nutshell, he has ability to make things possible. Although he is not in same category as Ben Stokes or Andrew Flintoff, he has made a significant impression in his short career, despite being rounded by injury and fitness issues.
Some players are gifted with ability to lead the way, and Archer is unquestionably one of them. His ability to perform on big stage was on display at his first World Cup in England in 2019, when he ended among top wicket-takers with 20 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 23.05.
The fact that Archer bowled the Super Over in the final demonstrated how highly England regarded him.
Before his elbow problems began, the Barbados-born pacer had a couple more remarkable performances.
Archer’s participation in the Ashes would have surely boosted England’s chances.
2) Archer proved his worth during the 2019 Ashes
What England will miss, Archer’s ability may be gauged by his outstanding performance in the single Ashes series in which he has appeared thus far. During the 2019 Ashes, he took 22 wickets at average of 20.27 and with two five-wicket hauls.
The right-arm bowler took 6/45 in first innings of the Leeds Test, which England went on to win by one wicket after being swept out for 67 in their first innings.
Archer also contributed significantly to England’s 135-run victory in the fifth Test at The Oval, taking 6/62 in the first innings.
While England’s Ben Stokes was superb throughout the 2019 Ashes, hitting 441 runs and taking eight wickets, the 2-2 draw would not have been possible without Archer’s exceptional bowling skills.
3) Overdependence on Anderson-Broad could cost England
In Archer’s absence, England would be overly reliant on the experienced bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. While the duo continues to deliver consistently but team’s over-reliance on them is sure to backfire.
Anderson and Broad both played in England’s Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22. However, Archer’s presence was clearly missed. Anderson took eight wickets in three Tests, while Broad took 13 in three.
Ollie Robinson took 11 wickets in four Tests and Chris Woake’s six wickets in three Tests who were decent pacers for England. But with all due respect, none of the two can give the type of assistance to Anderson and Broad that a fit Archer can.
Unfortunately for England, Archer’s continual injury issues may severely limit his red-ball outings. There is a chance that the ECB will not risk his weak physique in the lengthier format.
It’s not only the upcoming Ashes; we may have already witnessed the last fast bowler in Test cricket.
