Ashes 2019 | Jofra Archer to prove fitness by playing T20 Blast for Sussex

Archer played a crucial role in England's World Cup win, picking 20 wickets at 23.05 before bowling the decisive Super Over in the final against New Zealand, but he sustained a side strain that delayed his Test debut. As he missed a chance to play the Ireland Test and then subsequent Edgbaston one, Chris Woakes has been chosen as the third seamer in the side but an injury to James Anderson opened a spot in the side. In the current scenario, Archer has been asked to prove fitness by playing T20 Blast for Sussex and a three-day Second XI game next week. 

"Jofra is coming back from quite a serious injury. We looked at conditions and made a decision on what we thought would best take 20 wickets here," said England's captain, Joe Root, explaining his omission, reported Cricinfo.

"It also gives him time to get absolutely ready and fit to make sure he has his workloads up and ready to go for later in the series if he needs to make an impact. [His fitness] will be monitored throughout the week. It's important that he's ready to go to offer something different."

After the World Cup, the Englishman took a break to travel Barbados but came back in time to pick 2 for 21 in his four overs in Sussex's tied T20 Blast game against Surrey before joining up with the Test squad. Although he was with the Test squad for the first day, he was released to play in Sussex's game against Kent on Friday night, and will then make his first appearance in the Second XI Championship since 2016 when he plays against Gloucestershire at Blackstone, a game which starts on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, pace-bowling all-rounders Olly Stone and Sam Curran have also been released from the Test squad to play in the Blast on Friday night. Stone will join up with the Birmingham Bears squad for their game at Trent Bridge, while Curran will play for Surrey at Taunton.