England pacer Jofra Archer is currently under strict monitoring of the English and Wales Cricket Board and recovering from his recurring elbow injury. Archer, who had a sensational rise in the cricketing world for his fierce pace and fighting mentality, has missed the majority of the cricketing calendar since 2020.

Archer recently made his return to the cricketing fray after a lengthy period of rehab for elbow surgery in 2023. Having turned up to play in County Cricket’s second division, Archer tormented the batters in a recent game. The County Championship posted a video of the pacer bowling a ridiculous inswinger which left the batter bamboozled in the crease.

Fans will not see Archer in the Indian Premier League this season as the fast bowler has been pulled out of the 2024 edition to manage his injury issues. Archer had to leave the tournament midway last time around to get an urgent surgery done on his elbow.

Jofra Archer’s Injury Timeline

Jofra Archer has faced a tumultuous journey with recurring injury issues since 2020, casting a shadow over his promising cricket career. Known for his pace, precision, and ability to deliver in crucial moments, Archer’s trajectory has been significantly hampered by persistent elbow and back injuries, leading to multiple surgeries and extensive periods away from the game.

The saga of Archer’s injuries began in January 2020 when he missed three Test matches and a T20 series against South Africa due to pain in his right elbow. This was an early indication of the challenges that lay ahead for Archer, as the elbow issue would become a recurring theme in his career. Despite attempts to manage the injury, Archer withdrew from the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL), signaling the severity of his condition.

Archer’s battle with injuries took a more severe turn in March 2021 when he was forced to miss two Tests against India and subsequently withdraw from the ODI series as the elbow injury flared up again. This period marked the beginning of a series of setbacks for Archer, including minor surgery after an unrelated incident involving a fish tank. The decision to undergo surgery on his persistent elbow injury in May 2021 underscored the seriousness of the issue, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.

Major setback in 2022

Despite hopes for a full recovery, Archer’s woes were compounded in May 2022 when he suffered a stress fracture in his back, ruling him out for the rest of the year. This back injury added another layer of complexity to Archer’s rehabilitation process, further delaying his return to international cricket.

Ruled out of IPL 2023

Archer’s attempt to make a comeback in 2023 was met with cautious optimism. He returned to international cricket in ODIs against South Africa and participated in the IPL. However, discomfort in his troublesome right elbow during the IPL led to an early departure from the tournament. In May 2023, Archer’s Ashes dreams were dashed as scans revealed a recurrence of the stress fracture in his right elbow, highlighting the chronic nature of his injury woes.

Throughout this period, Archer underwent two separate surgeries in 2021 for the elbow injury and sought further treatment in 2022, including a minor procedure in Belgium. Despite these efforts, the recurring nature of his injuries has raised concerns about his ability to withstand the rigours of international cricket.

Archer’s injury timeline is not just a chronicle of physical setbacks but also a narrative of resilience and determination. As he faces the prospect of another extended period away from the game, the cricket world watches with bated breath, hoping for a successful recovery and return of one of its most exciting talents. The journey of Jofra Archer, marred by recurring injuries since 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands of modern cricket and the fragility of an athlete’s career.