Stokes Defends Archer's Test Absence

England captain Ben Stokes defended Jofra Archer's absence from the start of the Test summer, saying a more militant approach risks a situation where "players like him might not play for England again." Archer was permitted to compete in the Indian Premier League rather than join England's Test preparations.

The decision has drawn criticism from former players, with New Zealand's Simon Doull describing it as "absolutely ludicrous" and "completely wrong." Former England batter Mark Butcher called it "absolutely ridiculous," while Michael Atherton termed it "incredibly frustrating." noplasticplease.life