Jofra Archer ruled out of West Indies ODIs with thumb injury

In an unfortunate development for the English cricket team, Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the three-match ODI series against West Indies due to an injury to his right thumb. The development was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board on their official website on Wednesday, May 21. 

Archer will be reassessed by the team's medical team over the next fortnight to evaluate when he may return to cricketing action. The white-ball series against West Indies will begin with three ODIs (May 29 to June 3), post which as many T20Is (June 6 to June 10) will be played. 

Luke Wood has been added to the English ODI squad for the three-match 50-over series. The left-arm pacer has played two ODIs and five T20Is for England so far. Wood, who was already named in place of Archer in the T20I squad for the West Indies series, is yet to take a wicket in the ODI format.

Archer first sustained the injury while fielding during Rajasthan Royals' one-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on May 4. It initially appeared to be a minor setback. However, further assessments revealed damage in the ligament. This could also be attributed to Archer not returning to India for the IPL after the tournament resumed following the nine-day hiatus.

Archer has been battling with a string of long-term injuries since quite some time now. This includes an elbow problem that has required multiple operations as well as a stress fracture to his back. He made his international comeback in May last year, just in time for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States of America. Prior to the IPL, Archer also featured in the Champions Trophy earlier in 2025.