Jofra Archer has been ruled out of next month's Test series against New Zealand because of his long-standing elbow injury, plunging his availability for England's hectic upcoming schedule into serious doubt.
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The 26-year-old fast bowler returned to action for Sussex in this week's County Championship match against Kent - his first competitive appearance since undergoing surgery at the end of March to remove a piece of glass from his hand.
But he bowled only five overs in the visitors' second innings at Hove.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening that Archer would not feature in the squad to face the Black Caps, saying he was "suffering from pain in his right elbow when bowling".
It added: "The England and Sussex medical teams will now seek guidance, and Archer will see a medical consultant later this week to determine the next course of action on the management of his elbow."
The Test squad is set to be finalised on Monday, though England had already been expected to handle Archer's comeback cautiously even if the game against Kent had gone well.
But the setback will come as a big concern to England selectors and fans alike, with the T20 World Cup, due to be held in October and November in India, on the horizon, followed by the Ashes series in Australia.
Archer had looked to be proving his fitness, having taken three wickets during the opening two days of this week's championship match.
Australian Associated Press
