England bowler Archer to undergo surgery on right elbow

London, May 20: England fast bowler Jofra Archer is to undergo surgery on Friday in an attempt to resolve his persistent right elbow problem.

The 26-year-old was last week ruled out of England's two-Test series against New Zealand after suffering a setback on his return to domestic action for Sussex.

Archer, who previously had an operation on a hand injury at the end of March, was unable to bowl during the final two days of the County Championship match against Kent.

Having managed just two matches since being given an injection for the long-standing issue in March, it has now been confirmed Archer will go under the knife.

Jofra has been reviewed by a medical consultant in respect of his right elbow soreness.

He will now proceed to surgery tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/MIS9vG8sGh

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 20, 2021

A short statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday read: "Jofra Archer has been reviewed by a medical consultant in respect of his right elbow soreness.

"He will now proceed to surgery tomorrow. Further updates will be released in due course."

Archer has 42 wickets at an average of 31.04 in 13 Test appearances for England, who face New Zealand in a two-Test series next month as part of a busy schedule until the end of the year.

England play white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, as well as five Tests against India, ahead of the T20 World Cup and Ashes Tour of Australia.