Jofra Archer missed the fourth Test due to an elbow injury; Ben Stokes is playing with upset stomach: ECB

As England came out to play in the fourth Test against India, there was a bit of surprise from the visitors, as far as the selection was concerned. Captain Joe Root decided to start the Test with only three regular bowlers. Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad were left out, and spinner Dominic Bess along with batsman Dan Lawrence was brought into the side. 

After the XI was announced, a statement from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the main reason for Archer missing out from playing the final Test. It was mentioned that the right-arm pacer had not recovered from the elbow injury. It was also revealed that Ben Stokes is playing with an upset stomach, while several other players also faced the same issue. 

After playing the first Test of the series, Archer had to miss the second Test due to the same elbow injury and it seemed that the injury had not got better with time. “Jofra Archer is not playing in this Test match due to his ongoing right elbow issue. The ECB medical team will provide an update in due course,” read an update from the ECB. 

Ben Stokes has had an upset stomach, the same issue that has affected other members of the touring party: ECB

The statement further revealed the condition of Stokes and few other members of the England squad. “Ben Stokes has had an upset stomach, the same issue that has affected other members of the touring party. It is not expected to keep him off the field,” it said.

After the second Test, Archer was brought back in the side for the third Test in Ahmedabad. He returned with only one wicket, on a pitch that offered ample amount of assistance to the spinners. That could be also a reason why England decided to field only three regular bowlers. Ben Stokes and captain Root, who took 5 wickets in the previous match, are expected to share responsibilities of bowling in the fourth Test.

England won the toss on day one of the fourth Test and chose to bat first. They were bowled out for 205 only. Stokes scored 55 runs while Lawrence made a healthy contribution of 46. By the end of the day’s play, India was at 24 for 1, having lost Shubman Gill early in the innings.