Jofra Archer ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand

England's ace pacer Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board made the announcement on Sunday, May 16. The NZ vs England tour is going to begin on May 25. It will commence with a practice game in Taunton and then followed by the two Tests at the Lord's in London and the Edgbaston in Birmingham. Before the Test series, The Kiwis will play a four-day warm-up game against Somerset.

Jofra Archer sustained an elbow injury during Sussex's match against Kent in the ongoing County Championship. The seamer could bowl only five overs in the second innings. Archer had returned to action for his domestic cricket team and scalped two wickets in the first innings. However, the 26-year-old didn't bowl in the final two days of the match. 

Jofra Archer had also missed IPL 2021

During India vs England series, Jofra Archer headed back home just before the ODI series against India due to an elbow injury. The 25-year-old featured in two Tests and all five T20Is in India. However, he was ruled out of the ODI series because of a problem with his right elbow. The injury had deteriorated during the two-month tour. The all-rounder also underwent a successful finger surgery to remove a piece of glass that was stuck in his finger. 

Archer did not have the best times in the Test matches against India. The pacer bowled a total of 35.1 overs in the entire series and only five overs in the pink-ball Test. He also didn't feature in the second Test at the Chepauk due to his elbow issue, though the board said that the injury was not linked to any previous condition.

After being ruled out of England's ODI series against India in March, Archer underwent a surgical procedure and missed the IPL 2021 for Rajasthan Royals. England Cricket Board would now be concerned over its player's fitness, considering they have a packed nine-month schedule to follow. After playing against New Zealand, England is going to host five Tests against India. The England cricket team will then proceed for the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Jofra Archer is very crucial for England in all the formats of the game. Thus, his injury will come as a massive blow to the reigning 50-over world champions.

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