Simon Doull slammed England’s decision to leave fast‑bowler Jofra Archer out of the Test squad for the New Zealand series, calling it “absolutely ludicrous”. Archer remains with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL playoffs, meaning he will miss the first two Tests at Lord’s. Critics including Michael Atherton have labeled the move frustrating and significantly damaging to England’s crucial pace attack.

Doull argued the ECB is paying Archer up to £1 million a year yet cannot secure his services for the opening match. He cited New Zealand’s 2022 tour, when Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry trained with a red ball between IPL games and arrived five days before the first Test. Doull believes Archer’s lack of red‑ball work signals a disinterest in Test cricket.

With Archer unavailable, England turn to returning seamer Ollie Robinson, who rejoined the Test group after a two‑year exile. Former captain Nasser Hussain cautioned Robinson still needs to prove himself in the demanding conditions that defined Anderson, Broad and Woakes. Robinson’s performance in the upcoming Tests will determine whether England can field a credible fast‑bowling line‑up.