The Latest Breaking News from Rob Key

World Cup defence in October also in doubt after Archer is ruled out of entire summer with recurring elbow injury

Bairstow’s six hundreds in 2022, before breaking his leg in three places in August, meant he was a shoo-in to reclaim his spot.

Jofra Archer, who will miss the Ashes, played five matches for Mumbai Indians before the injury ended his IPL stint last week

The 28-year-old had high hopes of returning to face Australia, having not played Test cricket since February 2021

The 28-year-old had high hopes of returning to face Australia, having not played Test cricket since February 2021.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the Ashes and "the rest of the summer" in a massive blow for the hosts.

Archer has not played Test cricket for more than two years but had hoped to make his return against Australia.

Ollie Pope is named vice-captain but Jofra Archer will take no part in the Ashes after being ruled out for the rest of the summer with a stress fracture of his right elbow

Fellow fast bowler Saqib Mahmood reckons high demands on Jofra Archer's talents will need to be managed carefully if he is to have another huge year like he did in 2019

England have won ten out of 12 Tests under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum while playing a style of cricket that has become known as 'Bazball' and Managing Director Rob Key has given his thoughts on the pair's success, having been the man who appointed them in the first place

The move is to secure the services of England’s best players amid the threat of franchise cricket.