Jofra Archer has no interest in Tests: Simon Doull slams pacer's England absence for IPL

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull has questioned Jofra Archer's commitment to Test cricket after the England pacer was left out of the squad for the opening Test against New Zealand while continuing his Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with Rajasthan Royals.

Archer, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, was allowed to remain with Rajasthan Royals during the IPL playoffs instead of joining Brendon McCullum's squad ahead of the series. Reports have indicated that the 30-year-old could miss the first two Tests against New Zealand.

The decision has sparked criticism in England, with former captain Michael Atherton previously expressing frustration over Archer's unavailability. Doull joined the chorus of criticism, taking aim at both the player and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Doull described the situation as "absolutely ludicrous", pointing to how New Zealand's players had previously balanced IPL commitments with preparations for Test cricket.

"It's ludicrous. Absolutely ludicrous. How are you paying this guy up to a £1 million per year and he's not available for your first Test match? It is absolutely ludicrous," Doull said.

"The last time that New Zealand came here, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Matt Henry were all practising in between games in the IPL with a red ball and getting through overs and overs and overs so that they were ready to go when they arrived.

"I think they arrived five days before the first Test after the IPL. There is no reason that Archer couldn't have been bowling six, seven overs each in between days. The fact that he's not doing that tells me he has no interest in playing Test cricket."

Doull said Archer could have used the gaps between IPL matches to build up his red-ball workload and be ready for the series opener.

"In between days, he needs to be bowling five overs, six overs, seven overs with the red ball so that he's ready to go. And there's enough time. If you're doing that in between games, there's enough time to come back here for a week and get ready for a Test match. There's no issue with that. So I think it's completely wrong," he added.

Archer's absence has added to concerns over England's pace-bowling resources ahead of the series. The selectors have recalled seamer Ollie Robinson to the Test squad for the first time in more than two years.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain welcomed Robinson's return but said the fast bowler still had work to do to regain the trust of the team management.

"I do like the fact that they have him involved - Ollie Robinson is a skilful bowler," Hussain said.

"He has let [McCullum] down, and that is the thing you have to prove to people."

England begin their Test series against New Zealand with questions lingering over Archer's availability and the management of one of the country's premier fast bowlers.

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