Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBen Stokes has defended Jofra Archer (Getty)England captain Ben Stokes admitted Jofra Archer's absence from the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s is not ideal, but explained it reflects the complex modern cricketing landscape and the new opportunities available to elite players. Archer, who is centrally contracted by the ECB, was unavailable for the Lord's opener due to his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals.Stokes defended Archer's commitment to England, stating that his current unavailability does not change his dedication, despite criticism from some, including former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull, who labelled the situation “ludicrous” on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.Conversely, Jacob Bethell is set to return at No 3 for England, having cut short his IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to injury, making him available for his first red-ball game since the Ashes. England intend to name their final XI at the toss, with Gus Atkinson expected to pip Sonny Baker for the final seam slot, and the team considering omitting spinner Shoaib Bashir if heavy rain, forecast for Thursday, shortens the match. In fullBen Stokes responds to Jofra Archer’s absence from first Test against New ZealandThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

England will be back in Test action when they face New Zealand on Thursday

Archer is unavailable for the start of the Test summer due to his participation in the IPL

England captain Ben Stokes said the "landscape of cricket" has changed as he defended Jofra Archer's absence from the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's because of the fast…

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Ben Stokes defended Jofra Archer's absence from England's Test side against New Zealand, emphasizing the evolving priorities in modern cricket shaped by IPL commitments.

Former England batter Mark Butcher has questioned Jofra Archer's unavailability for England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, saying he cannot understand why one of the…

Stokes fears a hard-line stance could see the likes of Archer desert international cricket.

LONDON, June 3 : Ben Stokes defended England's decision to rest Jofra Archer for the opening test against New Zealand at Lord's after the fast bowler's Indian Premier League…

Jofra Archer wasn't included in England's XII for the first Test match vs New Zealand, causing some anger amongst pundits regarding his commitment. | Cricket

Ben Stokes said that no one should question Archer's desire to play for England, and also warned against questioning his commitment. | Cricket

England captain Ben Stokes has come out in support of fast bowler Jofra Archer amid criticism over his absence from the opening Test against New Zealand. Archer will miss the…

England coach McCullum suggests the 31-year-old could also miss the second game of the series

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Kevin Pietersen criticized backlash against Jofra Archer, defending players balancing IPL and international cricket after Archer missed England's first Test due to IPL commitments.