England will be without the services of speedster Jofra Archer due to a recurrence of a back stress fracture, in a blow to the side's hopes of regaining the Ashes.
The 28-year-old has had an assortment of injuries, including an elbow injury which first began in 2020, before undergoing surgery in 2021.
His injury woes didn't go away in 2022 as another back stress injury sidelined him for the remainder of the cricketing calendar.
The ECB released the disappointing news yesterday, with ECB Managing Director for England Men's Cricket Rob Key stating Archer was on track to play before this latest setback.
"It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer," Key said.
"He was making good progress until a recurrence of the elbow injury, which kept him out for an extended period previously.
"We wish him the best of luck with his recovery. I'm sure we will see Jofra back to his best and winning games for England, whatever the format. Hopefully, sooner rather than later."
Archer burst onto the scene in the 2019 Ashes, quickly making a name for himself with his hostile fast bowling, in particular against Australian superstar batsman Steve Smith.
Archer has played 13 tests for England, taking 42 wickets at an average of 31.05.
His last Test in the England whites came against India in February 2021.
Meanwhile, England's all-time test wicket-taker James Anderson is set to partake in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's starting on June 1, after recovering a groin injury
