The Ashes – Jofra Archer the man most likely for England as Olly Stone joins James Anderson on sidelines

Jofra Archer endured a frustrating day for Sussex’s second XI after fellow England paceman Olly Stone was ruled out of the next Ashes Test with a back problem.
IN THE FRAME Jofra Archer, pictured on Wednesday playing for Sussex 2nd XI as part of his preparations for a possible call-up for the Lord's Test against Australia. Picture: Simon Cooper/PAIN THE FRAME Jofra Archer, pictured on Wednesday playing for Sussex 2nd XI as part of his preparations for a possible call-up for the Lord's Test against Australia. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA
IN THE FRAME Jofra Archer, pictured on Wednesday playing for Sussex 2nd XI as part of his preparations for a possible call-up for the Lord's Test against Australia. Picture: Simon Cooper/PA

Barbados-born Archer staked his claim to play against Australia at Lord’s next week by taking six wickets and hitting a century on the opening day against Gloucestershire’s second string.

But, as he continues his rehabilitation following a side strain, the 24-year-old failed to repeat that form in the second innings, taking 1-78 from his 19 overs in the eight-wicket win.

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Despite posting disappointing figures against youthful opposition, Archer’s availability and additional red-ball action will provide a welcome boost for his country after Warwickshire’s Stone suffered an injury in training which is expected to keep him sidelined for at least a fortnight.

England's Olly Stone has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test. Picture: Mike Egerton/PAEngland's Olly Stone has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
England's Olly Stone has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

Stone’s enforced absence further depleted England’s seam bowling options as he joined James Anderson and Mark Wood on the treatment table, while spinner Moeen Ali is struggling for form.

Warwickshire sport director and former England assistant coach Paul Farbrace said Stone was due to undergo a scan before a full course of treatment could be determined.

“It’s really disappointing for Olly that he’s been ruled out of action for such an important two weeks of cricket because of a re-occurrence of his back injury,” said Farbrace.

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“In the meantime, he needs to rest up before he can get his body strong again and ready to deal with the demands of being a fast bowler.”

DON'T KNOW WHERE, DON'T KNOW WHEN: It's not clear when during the Ashes that James Anderson (centre) will be available again. Picture: Nick Potts/PADON'T KNOW WHERE, DON'T KNOW WHEN: It's not clear when during the Ashes that James Anderson (centre) will be available again. Picture: Nick Potts/PA
DON'T KNOW WHERE, DON'T KNOW WHEN: It's not clear when during the Ashes that James Anderson (centre) will be available again. Picture: Nick Potts/PA

Stone, 25, made his Test debut against Ireland last month and was in the squad for the first Ashes contest at his home ground Edgbaston, but did not play in the heavy defeat by Australia.

Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker, broke down after just four overs in that match due to a calf injury and did not bowl again.

Archer, meanwhile, was left out of the series opener having required painkillers to play in the World Cup.

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His cameo at Blackstone Academy Ground in rural Sussex has so far come without visible evidence of any lingering injury issues.

Sussex coach Jason Gillespie declared on Tuesday that Archer was “100 per cent” fit and expressed surprise that the player was not selected for the Ashes opener.

After conceding 43 runs from his opening eight overs, Archer deployed extra bounce to finally make a breakthrough in his 11th over of the day.

His pacey delivery produced a defensive edge from George Drissell which flew into the hands of Marcus Campopiano at gully.

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Archer, who ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up before making 108 on the opening day, encountered far more resistance yesterday.

He conceded a series of early boundaries, including being hit for six by Gloucestershire opener Greg Willows.

The speed of Archer’s deliveries appeared to increase as the day went on. Willows felt the bowler’s full force after being caught in the hip area, while Matt Brewer, batting at No 8, was twice struck on the helmet.

Anderson is not “giving up” on playing again in The Ashes series, despite his injury.

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The 37-year-old admitted he felt “very guilty” and apologised to his team-mates, as revealed during the Test by new-ball partner Stuart Broad.

“It’s hard to say when I might play again but it won’t be for a while,” said Anderson.

“My focus now is to get better and try everything possible to play a role later in the series. I’m sure there will come a point where other bowlers either get injured or need a rest.

“I certainly have no intention of giving up. If I don’t play against Australia, then the winter tours to New Zealand and South Africa are the next target.”

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Anderson, England’s record wicket-taker with 575 in Tests, was selected for the series opener despite not having featured for Lancashire since he first suffered the injury against Durham in early July.

That situation will not be repeated – raising the prospect of Anderson emulating Jofra Archer by playing a second XI game for his county.

Anderson added: “The England management want me to play some cricket before I return for a Test match. So I’ll have to schedule that as well, which is not so easy because it is mainly T20 matches at the moment.”