England’s beleaguered Ashes campaign has suffered another significant setback with the confirmation that pace spearhead Jofra Archer will miss the remainder of the series due to a side strain sustained during the third Test in Adelaide. The injury represents yet another frustrating chapter in the Barbadian-born quick’s injury-plagued career.
Archer had emerged as one of England’s few bright spots in an otherwise dismal series against Australia, claiming nine wickets at an average of 27.11 across the three Tests. His performance peaked in Adelaide where he delivered his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket in six years, recording impressive figures of 5-53 in Australia’s first innings. The 30-year-old also contributed with the bat, scoring his maiden Test half-century during the same match.
The injury occurred during Australia’s second innings where Archer managed only 12.4 overs before discomfort forced him from the attack. Subsequent scans in Melbourne revealed the extent of the side strain, prompting team medical staff to rule him out of contention for the final two matches.
This development continues a pattern of injury interruptions that have marred Archer’s international career. The paceman had only returned to Test cricket in July after a four-year absence spent battling persistent elbow and back issues. His comeback match against India at Lord’s five months ago marked the beginning of a brief return that has now been cut short after just five Tests.
England captain Ben Stokes praised Archer’s commitment throughout the series, stating: ‘The effort that he’s put in over these three games has been exceptional. There were a lot of question marks around his ability coming out to Australia, and he’s put in a great effort for the team.’
Archer will return to the United Kingdom following the fourth Test for further assessment, with his availability for February’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka dependent on recovery progress.
In response to the injury crisis, England have called up Gus Atkinson as Archer’s replacement while making the strategic decision to drop out-of-form batsman Ollie Pope in favor of Barbadian Jacob Bethell. Pope’s omission follows a disappointing run that saw him fail to register a half-century in eight consecutive Tests against Australia.
Bethell, despite limited first-class experience with just three matches in the past year, receives his opportunity following an impressive 71-run performance for England Lions against Australia A earlier this month.