Injury Threat Can Spoil Star England Player's Return Ahead Of India Test Series

England have suffered a serious injury blow ahead of the key five-Test match series against India, as pacer Jofra Archer’s injured thumb has ruled him out of the ODI series against West Indies beginning May 29. Luke Wood has already joined the England squad against the West Indies as his replacement. 

Archer sustained the injury while fielding during the game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals on May 4, and didn’t return to play RR’s remaining games after the IPL 2025 restarted on May 17, post the cessation of military escalations under Operation Sindoor.

As per reports, the injury isn’t a simple one, and further assessments have revealed ligament damage, and he’ll now be assessed during the West Indies tour if he’s fit enough for the upcoming red ball games between England Lions and India A.

The first match begins in Canterbury on May 30 and will go on till June 3. While this game seems a bit too quick for Archer to make his return, the second four-day game starting June 6 is when he can target his comeback. However, that will be decided only after further injury assessments on the England pacers.