Mark Butcher questions Jofra Archer's absence from first Test against New Zealand
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 6:45 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed confusion regarding Jofra Archer's exclusion for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, scheduled to begin on June 3. Despite an impressive IPL season where Archer took 25 wickets and played a crucial role for Rajasthan Royals, Butcher argues that his absence is unjustified given England's limited home Test matches this summer. The debate intensifies as England captain Ben Stokes adjusts his batting position to number seven, which Butcher also questions. The three-match series against New Zealand continues after this Test with games set at The Oval and Trent Bridge.
- •Mark Butcher questions Archer's absence from the first Test at Lord's
- •Archer performed well in IPL 2026, taking 25 wickets
- •Stokes moves to number seven in batting order for this Test
- •The first Test against New Zealand starts today, June 3
- 6:45 PMYahoo Sports — 'I'm baffled': Former England batter questions Jofra Archer absence after full IPL stint
"Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed bewilderment over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, despite a stellar IPL season. Butcher questioned the decision, highlighting Archer's value as a premier fast bowler and the limited home Test schedule. He also pondered Ben Stokes' move to bat at number seven.
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