Aussies on notice as Ashes villain rushed home

“Archer has been recovering from right elbow surgery. However, pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging,” the ECB said on Tuesday.

“Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery.”

Archer is a fearsome fast bowler but has played only 13 Tests for England since making his debut in the 2019 Ashes.

That series he wreaked havoc on the Aussie batters, taking 22 wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 20.27.

He took a devastating 6-45 in the first innings in Leeds, and two more wickets in the second innings, to help England to victory.

In the second Test at Lord’s – Archer’s debut in the format – he was responsible for concussing superstar batter Steve Smith, who was replaced by substitute Marnus Labuschagne.

Archer has battled various injuries in recent years and did not make the trip Down Under for the disastrous 2021-22 series.

But if he overcomes the latest elbow issue, he could help form a daunting attack also featuring Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Ollie Robinson.

The 2023 Ashes series begins on June 16.

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