Last Updated:May 23, 2026, 17:58 IST
Rajasthan Royals coach Trevor Penney calls Jofra Archer resting for England’s first Test vs New Zealand weird, as workload management sparks debate.
Jofra Archer will miss England’s first Test against New Zealand (Picture credit: AP)
Rajasthan Royals assistant coach Trevor Penney has said that it is a weird situation that Jofra Archer will be rested for England’s first Test against New Zealand from June 4, due to workload management after a gruelling IPL 2026.
The situation has drawn criticism from former England skipper Michael Vaughan.
England have announced their team for the opening Test against New Zealand beginning on June 4, with Archer omitted as the England Cricket Board continues to manage his return to red-ball cricket after a lengthy injury layoff.
“Everybody knows IPL is the thing to come to, so if he misses one game for England, then that is so weird for him. I think that is how he is thinking. It does not bother him, I don’t think,” Penney said.
“Maybe he would be a bit annoyed, but I cannot answer for him for that. He is just getting on as normal. He has hardly even mentioned it. The guys have not even spoken about it,” Penney added.
Despite being regarded as one of England’s most dangerous pacers and boasting a strong record at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Archer will not feature in the series opener.
“It is what it is. You either come and choose here and annoy people there, or you leave here early and then you are in trouble over never coming back to the IPL again,” Penney said.
At the franchise level, too, Archer has enjoyed a brilliant run of form. He is the Rajasthan Royals’ leading wicket-taker and ranks among the team’s top five wicket-takers overall. In IPL 2026, the pacer has picked up 17 wickets in 12 games at an economy rate of nine, continuing to play a key role for the team.
“I’m sure he’ll be in the squad (for the second Test). It comes midway through June. I think we have a problem in English cricket at the moment because Jofra was obviously staying for the full IPL,” Vaughan had said.
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News cricket ‘You Leave IPL & You’re In Trouble’: RR Respond To Archer Missing Matches For EnglandDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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