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last wk.

Jofra Archer Doubtful for Oval After Staying with Rajasthan Royals

England will assess Archer’s fitness before naming him for the second Test as the decision raises fresh questions about how IPL commitments, injury risk and central contracts are balanced.

Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - Third Test - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia - December 20, 2025 England's Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes walk off after the end of Australia innings REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
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Overview

  • Archer remained with the Rajasthan Royals through the IPL playoffs that ended on May 29 and finished the tournament with 25 wickets from 16 matches.
  • He was not selected for England’s first Test at Lord’s and returned to Barbados rather than joining the squad in England.
  • Head coach Brendon McCullum said the team will medically and practically assess Archer and that he is now doubtful for the second Test at the Oval.
  • Captain Ben Stokes publicly defended Archer’s commitment and pointed to the changing commercial landscape for players while former players including Simon Doull and Mark Butcher criticised Archer and the ECB’s handling of availability.
  • The episode sharpens debates over central contracts, player welfare and a compressed Test summer of just six matches that makes each selection more consequential for England’s campaign.