Jofra Archer to Miss 1st ODI Against New Zealand as England Focus on Ashes Preparation
Jofra Archer to Miss 1st ODI Against New Zealand as England Focus on Ashes Preparation
England’s right-arm fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand, beginning Sunday, October 26, in Mount Maunganui, as part of England’s workload management plan ahead of the Ashes. The decision is not related to injury but is a strategic choice to ensure Archer’s peak fitness and availability for the premier five-match Test series against Australia starting next month.
England’s management is taking no chances with the fitness of their express pacer, who has recently made an inspiring comeback to international cricket after several frustrating years marred by injuries.
Managing Archer’s Workload
As reported by ESPNcricinfo and Sky Sports, Archer will join the ODI squad later this week, traveling with Mark Wood and Josh Tongue—two other fast bowlers earmarked for the upcoming Ashes series. The trio forms part of England’s conditioning plan before the Perth Test, which begins on November 21 at the Optus Stadium.
Archer was already rested for the preceding three-match T20I series against New Zealand to manage his workload. He is expected to feature in the second and third ODIs in Hamilton and Wellington once he joins the squad on Saturday.
The Road Back from Injuries
The 30-year-old’s career has been riddled with injury setbacks, particularly recurring stress fractures in his right elbow and back that sidelined him for over four years from Test cricket. His emotional return came earlier this year during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, where he bowled with familiar pace and aggression at Lord’s.
The series saw him re-establish himself as one of England’s strike bowlers, proving that his rhythm and control remain world-class despite the long layoff. England’s selectors, therefore, are adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term fitness with the Ashes on the horizon.
England’s Ashes Preparation Gains Momentum
The Ashes 2025-26 series between Australia and England will begin on November 21 in Perth and conclude in Sydney on January 8. The fixtures are as follows:
Test Match | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
1st Test | Optus Stadium, Perth | November 21–25 |
2nd Test (Day/Night) | The Gabba, Brisbane | December 4–8 |
3rd Test | Adelaide Oval | December 17–21 |
4th Test | Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) | December 25–29 |
5th Test | Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) | January 4–8 |
England’s fast-bowling attack, led by Ben Stokes and supported by Archer, Wood, Tongue, and Gus Atkinson, is shaping into one of their most potent units in recent years. Given how crucial pace will be in Australian conditions, Archer’s smooth preparation and management are viewed as pivotal to England’s quest for reclaiming the Ashes.
Focus Beyond White-Ball Cricket
While white-ball cricket remains important in England’s packed calendar, managing fast bowlers’ fitness for Test cricket has become the primary focus. Archer’s absence from the first ODI reflects England’s forward-thinking approach—a move to protect one of their most dynamic assets.
With Archer likely to play a central role both in Tests and key limited-overs series later in the season, this calculated rest period is designed to ensure his best form when it matters most—under the intense glare of the Ashes lights.