Jofra Archer will not be considered for England’s first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday at a ground which holds unwelcome memories for the talismanic fast bowler.
It is understood the decision is not injury-related and is instead tailored to suit Archer’s Ashes build-up, as he is set to arrive into New Zealand on Saturday morning alongside fellow express quicks Mark Wood and Josh Tongue.
Neither Wood nor Tongue are in England’s squad for three ODIs against the Kiwis, with Archer likely to feature in Hamilton and Wellington next week after skipping the series-opener in Mount Maunganui.
Neither Wood nor Tongue are in England’s squad for three ODIs against the Kiwis, with Archer likely to feature in Hamilton and Wellington next week after skipping the series-opener in Mount Maunganui.
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The moment the whole of Lord’s waited for as Jofra Archer claims the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal after a four-year absence from Test cricket for England
The Bay Oval is where the 30-year-old played his first overseas Test in November 2019, with England heavily criticised for over-bowling him as he sent down 42 overs in one innings on a desperately flat pitch.
Archer endured numerous injury struggles in the years that followed with stress fractures in his lower back and right elbow, but made a heartwarming comeback this summer for his first Test since February 2021.
There is no suggestion his previous experience in Mount Maunganui – where he was also racially abused by a spectator – has any bearing on keeping him on ice this weekend.
But Archer has been tipped to play a leading role in Australia this winter, so England will be wary of overburdening him as they look to end a decade-long wait to regain the urn from their oldest rivals.
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Highlights from the third ODI as England thumped South Africa by a record 342 runs thanks to Jacob Bethell’s maiden professional hundred and Jofra Archer’s superb bowling
Wood and Tongue could also be key to their hopes and they will travel to New Zealand to begin their preparations to face Australia, while captain Ben Stokes is set to visit family in Christchurch before England’s Ashes squad assemble in Perth in the second week of November.
Joe Root, Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith will likely be in England’s XI in Perth on November 21 and they linked up with the T20 squad in Auckland on Wednesday ahead of their participation in the ODI series.
Before the ODIs, Harry Brook’s side will be looking to wrap up a T20 series win at Eden Park on Thursday, having taken a 1-0 lead by beating the Black Caps by 65 runs in Christchurch.
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Jofra Archer claimed four wickets in the powerplay as England reduced South Africa to 24-6 and ultimately bowled them out for 72 in the final ODI at Southampton
Tom Banton made a cameo 12-ball 29 not out on Monday as England’s innings ended with a flourish, but the 26-year-old admitted he is still adjusting to being in the middle-order having previously opened the batting.
“I’ve got a different role in the team now and I’m really enjoying that,” he said.
“There’s going to be times where it comes off and it looks great and I’m sure there’s going to be other times where it doesn’t.
“But it’s just accepting that batting in the middle order is a lot harder than opening. I’d do anything to play for England and bat wherever.”
New Zealand vs England – white-ball schedule
All times UK and Ireland
First T20 (Christchurch): Match abandonedSecond T20: Monday October 20 – Christchurch – England won by 65 runsThird T20: Thursday October 23 (7.15am) – AucklandFirst ODI: Sunday October 26 (1am) – Mount MaunganuiSecond ODI: Wednesday October 29 (1am) – HamiltonThird ODI: Saturday November 1 (1am) – Wellington
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
All times UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
