Jofra Archer could switch counties and face Australia in a tour match between the first and second Ashes Tests.
Archer will miss the opening Test at Edgbaston and England are exploring the possibility of getting him into the Worcestershire team for their three-day match against the Aussies.
The Sussex paceman is in need of some proper match bowling after his World Cup exploits and the break that followed.
Archer had a sore side throughout the tournament but needs to prove his fitness at a time when there is precious little county championship action.
The only viable red ball game occurring before the second Test at Lord’s is the tour match at New Road beginning next Wednesday.
And in just the same way that Middlesex man Andrew Strauss prepared for a Test series with India in 2011 by playing for Somerset, Archer could be given special dispensation if both counties agree to it.
There will be some who will be reluctant to see Archer bowl against the Aussies when England might want to use him as a surprise weapon at Lord’s.
But he needs to get some bowling in and the team management are open to the idea.
