Stokes supports Archer's IPL absence ahead of New Zealand Test
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 8:46 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Ben Stokes defended Jofra Archer's decision to miss the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's due to IPL commitments. Stokes acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding Archer's omission, stating that the cricket has evolved. Archer's absence sparked criticism from figures like Michael Atherton and Simon Doull, who expressed frustration over the situation. England head coach Brendon McCullum has not confirmed Archer's availability for the second Test. The first Test against New Zealand is set to start on Thursday.
- •Archer plays for Rajasthan Royals in IPL playoffs instead of England.
- •Ollie Robinson is set to play his first Test in over two years.
- •First Test against New Zealand starts Thursday at Lord's.
- •McCullum uncertain about Archer's availability for the second Test.
- •Stokes emphasizes the changing nature of opportunities in cricket.
- 8:46 PMYahoo Sports — 'Players like Jofra might not play for England if ... ': Captain Ben Stokes reacts to criticism of Archer's IPL stint
- 1:54 PMThe Guardian Sport — Stokes defends Archer’s Test absence and warns strictness risks England exit
"Critics have called situation ‘ludicrous’ and ‘frustrating’ ‘Jofra may not play for England if handled differently’ Ben Stokes has defended England’s decision to excuse Jofra Archer from the start of the Test summer so he could compete in the Indian Premier League, saying a more militant approach risks a situation where “players like him might not play for England again”. On Wednesday Archer was strongly criticised by the former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull, who described his absence as “absolutely ludicrous” and “completely wrong”. The former England batter Mark Butcher has previously said it was “absolutely ridiculous”, while Michael Atherton described it as “incredibly frustrating”. Continue reading...
"England captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer after criticism over the fast bowler missing the first Test against New Zealand following his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. Stokes said modern cricket offers players more opportunities than before and insisted Archer remains committed to England. He also warned that mishandling such situations could risk losing talented players from international cricket.
"England Test captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer's absence from England's side to face New Zealand at Lord's, saying that the "landscape of cricket has changed".
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 3, 2026, 8:46 PM'Players like Jofra might not play for England if ... ': Captain Ben Stokes reacts to criticism of Archer's IPL stint
England captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer after criticism over the fast bowler missing the first Test against New Zealand following his IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. Stokes said modern cricket offers players more opportunities than before and insisted Archer remains committed to England. He also warned that mishandling such situations could risk losing talented players from international cricket.
- The Guardian SportJun 3, 2026, 1:54 PMStokes defends Archer’s Test absence and warns strictness risks England exit
Critics have called situation ‘ludicrous’ and ‘frustrating’ ‘Jofra may not play for England if handled differently’ Ben Stokes has defended England’s decision to excuse Jofra Archer from the start of the Test summer so he could compete in the Indian Premier League, saying a more militant approach risks a situation where “players like him might not play for England again”. On Wednesday Archer was strongly criticised by the former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull, who described his absence as “absolutely ludicrous” and “completely wrong”. The former England batter Mark Butcher has previously said it was “absolutely ridiculous”, while Michael Atherton described it as “incredibly frustrating”. Continue reading...
- Sky Sports—Stokes defends Archer absence after criticism of IPL stay
England Test captain Ben Stokes has defended Jofra Archer's absence from England's side to face New Zealand at Lord's, saying that the "landscape of cricket has changed".
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