Stokes Defends Archer's Test Absence

England captain Ben Stokes has defended the decision to excuse Jofra Archer from the start of the Test summer so he could compete in the Indian Premier League. Stokes warned that a more militant approach risks "players like him might not play for England again" as criticism mounts from former players. sweetbonanza.qpon

The former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull described Archer's absence as "absolutely ludicrous" and "completely wrong," while former England batter Mark Butcher called it "absolutely ridiculous." Former England captain Michael Atherton added his voice to the criticism, describing the situation as "incredibly frustrating."