News

25 Aug 2021

The 26-yearold has been ruled out of the current Test series against India, this winter's Ashes and the T20 World Cup after suffering a fresh stress fracture to his right elbow.

"When I got the news that I'd be out for the rest of 2021 because I had suffered another stress fracture in my elbow, it was pretty tough to take. But I've always been of the view that everything happens for a reason, and the injury doesn't change the way I look at my career," Archer told the Daily Mail.

"I've said many times before that Test cricket is the most important format to me and nothing has changed in that respect. It's frustrating to be sitting out an important series against India, as well as not being able to make the trip to Australia this winter - not to mention the Twenty20 World Cup in the UAE.

Archer underwent an operation in May to remove a bone fragment from his elbow and missed England's two-test series in June against New Zealand, which they lost 1-0.

"The reason I had an operation in May was because I wanted to sort out the problem once and for all. I don't want this thing hanging over me,” said Archer.

Given the nature of the injury, questions have been raised over Archer's longevity in the longest format of the game and whether he would be able to retain the pace that has made him so effective in all formats of the game.

“If I do end up with another stress fracture, I may have a different view on things as regards to my future. But for the moment, I'm still only 26 and I think my best years as a test cricketer are ahead of me.

"I'm trying to be cautious about when I make my comeback, but I guess there's a chance I'll be ready in time for England's three-test series against West Indies in the Caribbean in March. But I can't make any promises," said Archer.