Stokes defends Archer's Test absence

England captain Ben Stokes has defended the team's decision to allow Jofra Archer to skip the start of the Test summer to compete in the Indian Premier League. Stokes warned that a more militant approach risks a situation where 'players like him might not play for England again.'

The decision has drawn criticism from several former players, including New Zealand's Simon Doull who described Archer's absence as 'absolutely ludicrous' and 'completely wrong.' Former England batter Mark Butcher called it 'absolutely ridiculous,' while Michael Atherton termed it 'incredibly frustrating.' h-doctor.club