Will Jofra Archer Play The 2nd Test? McCullum Shares Big England Update

England fast bowler Jofra Archer could also miss the second Test against New Zealand after being unavailable for the series opener following the conclusion of his IPL campaign.

Archer’s Rajasthan Royals side were knocked out by Gujarat Titans in the IPL qualifier on Friday, bringing an end to a lengthy stint in franchise cricket. England had already confirmed that the pacer would not be part of the squad for the first Test at Lord’s, citing the need for a break after an extended period on the road.

The second Test is scheduled to begin at The Oval on June 17, though Archer’s availability remains uncertain.

England Yet to Take a Call on Archer

England head coach Brendon McCullum said the management will assess Archer’s condition once he rejoins the squad.

The 31-year-old is currently spending time in Barbados and is not expected to return to England until after the completion of the first Test.

According to McCullum, Archer has been following an individual programme during his break and discussions regarding his readiness for the second Test will only take place once he is back with the group. If he is not considered fit enough, England could instead target his return for the third Test.

IPL Schedule Creates Fresh Selection Challenges

Archer’s absence once again underlines the growing challenge of balancing international commitments with franchise cricket.

For England’s multi-format players, the end of the IPL frequently overlaps with the start of the home Test summer. As a result, player workload and recovery periods continue to play a significant role in selection decisions.

While Archer remained with Rajasthan Royals until the end of their campaign, Jacob Bethell left Royal Challengers Bengaluru before the playoffs to recover from a finger injury. Bethell is available for England’s opening Test against New Zealand.

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Big Absence During England’s Rebuild

England begin the series without their premier fast bowler at a time when the team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Ashes campaign.

The New Zealand series carries additional importance after England’s 4-1 defeat in Australia, with the management keen to rebuild momentum heading into the next phase of the Test cycle.

Archer only returned to Test cricket at Lord’s against India in July 2025 after spending four years away from the format due to injury setbacks. He impressed during the Ashes and was among England’s most effective bowlers before a side strain ruled him out of the final two Tests.

Archer And Carse Missing From Squad

Archer had signed a deal worth around £1.18 million with Rajasthan Royals for the 2025 IPL season. Recent IPL regulations also state that players who withdraw from the competition for non-medical reasons could face a two-year ban from the tournament, making mid-season exits increasingly difficult.

England are also without fellow fast bowler Brydon Carse, who suffered a broken wrist during the IPL. Although Carse attended the team’s pre-series training camp in Loughborough, he is not expected to feature against New Zealand.

England Trim Squad for Lord’s Test

The hosts have reduced their initial 15-player squad to 12 players ahead of the first Test.

Shoaib Bashir is set to return as England’s frontline spinner after missing out during the Ashes. Uncapped seamer Sonny Baker has also been retained in the group, while Ollie Robinson earns a recall after a two-year absence from the Test side.

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