England’s premier fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the opening ODI match against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui this Sunday, as team management continues to manage his workload ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes series later this year. Archer’s return to international cricket is being carefully monitored following multiple injury setbacks in recent years, as the management is taking no risks with one of their most valuable assets.
Though he made a successful return to competitive cricket earlier in 2025 with promising performances in the County Championship and limited overs fixtures, his workload is being managed meticulously. He had already been rested for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Notably, Archer's absence in the first ODI is not injury related, and he will be available for England in the second ODI in Hamilton next week. Archer, along with fellow quicks Mark Wood and Josh Tongue, will arrive in New Zealand later this week.