England face a fast‑bowling dilemma ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. Jofra Archer, who missed the Lord’s opening match while playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, remains in Barbados and has not returned to the squad. Coach Brendon McCullum said the team will assess his fitness before deciding on his availability. His fitness could also affect the selection of seam attack partners for the upcoming match.

Archer’s IPL stint cost roughly £1.18m, underscoring the clash between lucrative franchise contracts and England’s Test schedule. The bowler’s last Test appearance came in July 2025 after a four‑year injury layoff, and he was England’s leading wicket‑taker in the Ashes before a side strain sidelined him. His absence leaves the side without its premier pace option as they rebuild from a 4‑1 loss in Australia.

England trimmed the initial 15‑man squad to 12 for the first Test, recalling spinner Shoaib Bashir and uncapped paceman Sonny Baker while Brydon Carse also sits out after a broken wrist in the IPL. If Archer cannot play, McCullum will look to the third Test for a replacement, but the team's bowling depth is already stretched.