Archer to Miss West Indies series because of thumb injury, wood to intervene

England's speed Speerhead Jofra Archer was excluded from the upcoming Odi series against West Indian Islands due to a right thumb injury and a blow to prepare the team. The Cricket Board (ECB) England and Wales confirmed the news, with the left Seamer of Lancashire Luke Wood being referred to as a replacement for the three-match series from May 29th in Edgbaston.

Archer suffered the injury when he played for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reports, the injury occurred during the game against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 4th, and further assessments resulted in the band's damage.

“The 30-year-old will be re-evaluated by the English medical team in the next fourteen days,” said the ECB and uncertain his immediate future.

Archer's participation in the English Lions-Red Ball match against India also starts the injury against doubts. The four-day game, from June 6th, was regarded as a critical step in his potential return to the test cricket in front of the series against India.

“The Paceman has not played first -class match for four years and made the last of his 13 test appearances in India in February 2021,” says a report.

The long-term plan of England comprises Archer in his Ashes squad for Australia later this year, where they want to win overseas for the first time since 2010-11. This latest setback makes these plans difficult.

Luke Wood, Archer's replacement, brings the latest form of the Pakistan Super League, where he took eleven wickets in eight games for Peshawar Zalmi. The revised Odi squad, who is managed by the new white ball captain Harry Brook, includes a mixture of experienced players such as Jos Buttler and Joe Root alongside younger talents.

The West -Indies series marks Brook's first task as a captain with three odis, followed by so many T20Is. The T20I squad also has wood, but Archer was initially excluded by it to concentrate on preparing the red ball with the lions. Now even this opportunity hangs in balance.

At the moment, England and fans will wait for updates to Archer's recovery.

Series plan:

1. Odi: May 29, Edgbaston
2nd Odi: June 1st, Cardiff
3. Odi: June 3, the oval
T20IS: June 6th, June 8th, 10