England paceman Archer facing two weeks’ rehab after finger surgery
England fast bowler Jofra Archer is set for two weeks of rehabilitation after successful surgery to remove a piece of glass that had been lodged in the middle finger of his right hand.
Archer suffered the injury when the fish tank he was cleaning at home smashed in January and he underwent an operation on the problem.
An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said:
“England pace bowler Jofra Archer underwent successful surgery to his right hand on Monday. A fragment of glass was removed during the operationtohismiddlefingeronhis right hand.
“He will now commence two weeks of rehabilitation. Theconsultantwillreviewhim before returning to training.”
The injury was carefully managed by England during the tour of India, with Archer
featuring in two of the four Tests and all five Twenty20s, but he was absent for the three one-day internationals that concluded the trip.
The reason given for his absence in the ODI series was the deterioration in his troublesome right elbow, which hashadafurtherinjectionand means he will at least miss the startoftheforthcomingIndian Premier League.
His long-standing elbow troubles remain the primary concern in a T20 World Cup and Ashes year but his finger injury has been resolved.
The ECB statement added: “Further update on (Archer’s) elbow injury will be provided once he has returned to bowling to assess the effectiveness of his recent injection. Archer sufferedacuttohishandwhile cleaningathishomeinJanuary shortlybeforeflyingtoIndiato prepare for the Test series.
“The ECB’s medical team managed the injury throughout the tour, and it did not impact on his availability.”
*Kent head coach Matt WalkerexpectsSamBillingsto play a full part in this season’s Indian Premier League after hesustainedashoulderinjury.
The Kent captain and wicketkeeper sprained his collarbone while fielding during England’s first one-day international against India earlier this month.
“We’ve obviously been in quite close contact with Sam, it’s not related to the injury he had last time round when he dislocated his shoulder,” Walker said.
“He’s at the IPL and ready to go, it’s just going to take a little bit of rehabilitation. I think he’ll play a full part in the IPL. He’s there and he’s ready to go so I think he’s fairly confident it’s going to be fine.”