Thumb injury forces England’s Archer out of West Indies ODI series

LONDON (Agencies): A right thumb injury has ruled out England quick Jofra Archer from the One-Day International (ODI) series against West Indies starting this month, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday, naming Luke Wood as his replacement. Archer, who has played in 78 international matches across all formats and picked up 137 wickets, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including elbow injuries and back issues that sidelined him for long periods. Wood, who has represented England in two ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals, last played for the country in 2023. “(Archer) will be reassessed by the England medical team over the next fortnight to determine when he may return to action,” the ECB said in a statement. England’s three-match ODI series against West Indies is set to begin on May 29 at Edgbaston.