England bowler Jofra Archer ruled out of Ashes by elbow injury

Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the rest of the summer, meaning he will miss England's bid to regain the Ashes against Australia.

The fast bowler will be sidelined for the second English season in a row after scans revealed he has sustained a recurrence of a stress fracture to his right elbow while playing in the Indian Premier League.

The announcement was made as England confirmed their squad for their opening Test against Ireland, starting on Thursday June 1 at Lord's.

“It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer," said Roby Key, the managing director of England men's cricket.

"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."

England play one Test against Ireland before the Ashes begins at Edgbaston on June 16.

Jonny Bairstow returns to the England side for the first time since last August, after recovering from his broken left leg and dislocated ankle, sustained in an accident while playing golf.

Chris Woakes has been restored to the Test squad for the first time since March 2022, and if selected, it will be his first Test appearance on home soil since August 2020.

Jonny Bairstow returns to the England squad after recovering from a broken leg. Getty

Fast bowler Mark Wood has returned after missing Tests against New Zealand, while Ollie Pope has been named as England’s vice-captain.

"We are looking forward to the summer ahead and getting into the swing of things, starting with a good test against Ireland," Key said.

“It was a seriously tough