Why is Jofra Archer not playing ENG vs NZ 1st Test?
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Jofra Archer recently played for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
England and New Zealand are clashing in a three-match Test series. The ENG vs NZ 1st Test got underway on June 4 at Lord’s, London.
Led by Ben Stokes, England will aim for a big comeback in the home series after their horrible defeat in the Ashes earlier this year. England lost the five-match series against Australia 4-1.
Currently, they are seventh in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points table with three victories out of 10 matches.
On the other hand, New Zealand are placed second with two victories out of three games. However, they face a strong challenge against Ben Stokes & Co., who are known for their supremacy on home soil.
In the ENG vs NZ 1st Test, New Zealand captain Tom Latham won the toss and opted to field first. Notably, pacer Jofra Archer is not part of the encounter.
Why is Jofra Archer not part of the ENG vs NZ 1st Test?
Notably, Archer has been rested for the 1st Test after his hectic schedule in the Indian Premier League 2026. The right-arm pacer played for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the tournament.
RR reached the playoffs in IPL 2026, and Archer played a crucial role in their success. With 25 wickets in 16 games at an economy of 9.31, he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026. Rajasthan made it to Qualifier 2 but lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, and Josh Tongue are leading England’s pace attack in the opening test against New Zealand. Opener Emilio Gay has made his Test debut in the clash.
Speaking at the toss, England skipper Ben Stokes said, “Would’ve looked to bowl as well. Always amazing thing to be a part of to see someone get their first cap for England. Special moment for him and his family. Obviously we named the XII. Not sure what the weather was going to do. Sonny misses out from the XII. We’re going out there and we’re going to look to play cricket we have been known for.”
Why is Jofra Archer not part of the ENG vs NZ 1st Test?
Jofra Archer is rested for the series after his stint in IPL 2026.
How many tests will be played between England and New Zealand?
Both sides will lock horns in three Test matches.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.