England announced on Wednesday that Jofra Archer, the Barbados-born super star fast bowler, will not be considered for their first One-Day International against New Zealand on Sunday. It is understood the decision is not injury-related and is instead tailored to suit Archer’s build-up to the blockbuster Ashes series in Australia.
Media reports indicate he is set to arrive in New Zealand on Saturday morning alongside fellow quick bowlers Mark Wood and Josh Tongue. Neither Wood nor Tongue are in England’s squad for three ODIs against the Black Caps, with Archer likely to feature in Hamilton and Wellington next week after skipping the series-opener in Mount Maunganui.
The 30-year-old Archer is expected to be the enforcer in the bowling attack against the Aussies, 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 in the much-anticipated five Test matches.
Archer was seen in the nets session at Kensington Oval, running in thoroughbred style, earlier this week alongside Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach and members of the Barbados Pride squad. The Pride meanwhile are in their preparation camp for the regional Super 50 List A tournament in Trinidad next month.
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