Jofra Archer could make his much-anticipated Test debut for England in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s after veteran fast bowler James Anderson was ruled out having failed to recover from a right calf injury. The English spearhead left the ground after bowling just four overs on the opening day of the first Test at Edgbaston. It was later confirmed following a scan that the calf injury, Anderson had sustained while playing for Lancashire, had aggravated ruling him out of the second Ashes Test. Archer was originally included in Ashes squad but was left of the playing XI for the first game. James Anderson Injury Update: England Pacer Ruled Out of Second Ashes 2019 Test, Doubtful For Rest of The Series.

Archer, who bowled the important Super Over in CWC 2019 final against New Zealand, was speculated to be included in the playing XI for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham but was given a rest as a precautionary measure for the side strain Archer had endured while guiding England to its maiden World Cup triumph. Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer Named in England Squad for First Test; Ben Stokes Reappointed Vice-Captain.

Anderson was playing his first cricket in a month’s time after fighting against time to fully recover for the opening Ashes Test. The 37-year-old had originally suffered a calf injury while playing for Lancashire in the English County last month and even missed the Ireland Test at Lord’s as a precautionary measure to fully recover and be ready for the first Ashes 2019 Test. But lasted just four overs at Edgbaston before leaving the ground.

It was later confirmed that Anderson had torn a muscle in the same calf in which he had suffered a low-grade right calf injury playing for his county side Lancashire against Durham on July 2, 2019. The injury not just leaves England’s highest wicket-taker out of the second Test but also puts doubt in his availability for the remaining of the Test series.

Archer’s last appearance in red-ball cricket last came in 2016 for Sussex. The 24-year-old has so far played 28 First-Class matches taking 131 wickets but his last four-day game dates back to September last year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2019 05:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).