England will hand Test debuts to Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker for the second match against New Zealand at the Oval. Matthew Fisher returns, and Jofra Archer is back after a break. Joe Root will captain the side in Ben Stokes's absence due to a team curfew breach.
Fast bowler Ollie Robinson has been ruled out of England's second Test against New Zealand due to right knee soreness. The 32-year-old, who was Player of the Match in the first Test, will remain with the squad for rehabilitation. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are also unavailable pending an investigation.
Kevin Pietersen supports players like Jofra Archer prioritizing IPL over international cricket, citing changed cricket landscape and opportunities, amid criticism over Archer's absence from England's first Test against New Zealand.
Lord's hosts its 150th Test match between England and New Zealand amid storylines of redemption and the growing influence of franchise cricket. England's squad sees new faces and returns, while concerns linger over player availability due to IPL commitments, prompting ICC action.
England captain Ben Stokes defended fast bowler Jofra Archer against criticism for missing the first Test due to IPL commitments. Stokes stated modern cricket's franchise leagues offer opportunities unavailable in the past, and mishandling such situations could deter players from international cricket.
England captain Ben Stokes has defended fast bowler Jofra Archer, who is missing the first Test against New Zealand due to IPL commitments. Stokes stated that the modern cricket landscape, with franchise leagues, is different from the past and that mishandling such situations could deter players from international cricket.
Ben Stokes defended England's decision to allow Jofra Archer to play in the IPL, citing the changing landscape of cricket and the risk of alienating players. Critics like Simon Doull called Archer's absence from the Test summer 'ludicrous'.
Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed confusion over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, despite a strong IPL performance. Butcher questioned the management of the fast bowler, especially with a limited home Test schedule.
Former England batter Mark Butcher expressed confusion over Jofra Archer's exclusion from the first Test against New Zealand, citing his successful IPL campaign and England's limited home schedule.
Jofra Archer is unavailable for England's first Test against New Zealand due to his IPL commitments and a need for rest. His absence highlights the conflict between franchise money and Test cricket demands, with other players also affected by injuries sustained during the IPL.
Subramaniam Badrinath reveals his best IPL 2026 lineup, excluding Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, opting for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a bowling-heavy strategy.
Rohit Sharma registered his 19th IPL duck, equaling Glenn Maxwell's record, during Mumbai Indians' loss to Rajasthan Royals. Despite this, Sharma scored 283 runs in nine games this season.
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara strongly defended captain Riyan Parag, highlighting his leadership despite criticism and a vaping fine. Sangakkara praised Parag's maturity and respect among teammates, emphasizing his potential as a player and person.
Jofra Archer credits Rajasthan Royals' coaching staff for a tactical shift to 'pace-on' bowling, which proved crucial in their 30-run IPL victory over Mumbai Indians. Archer starred with 3 wickets and 32 runs, securing RR's playoff spot.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag acknowledged areas for improvement despite securing an IPL playoff spot with a win over Mumbai Indians. Parag highlighted tactical decisions, instinct-driven leadership, and the performance of uncapped bowlers.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag acknowledged areas for improvement despite securing an IPL 2026 playoff spot with a win over Mumbai Indians. Parag highlighted tactical batting decisions and praised bowlers, attributing his leadership to instinct over data.
Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara expressed relief as his team secured a playoff berth in IPL 2026 with a 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians. Jofra Archer's all-round performance was key, with 32 runs and 3 wickets.
Rohit Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi both failed to score significantly in a crucial IPL match at Wankhede Stadium. Despite late fireworks from Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja, Rajasthan Royals posted 205/8.
Jofra Archer is reportedly unbothered by criticism in England for prioritizing IPL commitments over the first Test against New Zealand, according to Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penny. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has returned home from the IPL due to a finger injury.
Jofra Archer and Shardul Thakur engaged in a boundary-hitting duel, with Archer smashing sixes and fours, while Thakur took wickets. Rajasthan Royals reached 175/8, with key contributions from Dhruv Jurel and Dasun Shanaka, while Mumbai Indians chased with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton.
Michael Vaughan criticizes England's cricket board for allowing Jofra Archer to prioritize IPL over Test matches, questioning central contract priorities and the future of Test cricket.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's first IPL captaincy ended in a crushing 77-run defeat for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. Despite a strong start from GT's Gill and Sudharsan, RR's bowling attack struggled, and their batting lineup was subsequently bundled out for 152. Jaiswal defended star pacer Jofra Archer, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of cricket.
Jofra Archer endured a disastrous opening over against Gujarat Titans, conceding 18 runs in an 11-ball spell marked by wides and a no-ball. Visibly frustrated, the pacer's struggles prompted Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara to intervene. The chaotic over saw Gujarat Titans openers capitalize on Archer's wayward bowling.
Jofra Archer endured a disastrous opening over against Gujarat Titans, conceding 18 runs in an 11-ball spell marked by wides and a no-ball. Visibly frustrated, the pacer's struggles prompted Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara to intervene. The chaotic over saw Gujarat Titans openers capitalize on Archer's wayward bowling.
