Stokes defends Archer's Test absence for IPL

England captain Ben Stokes has defended the decision to excuse Jofra Archer from the beginning of the Test summer to allow him to compete in the Indian Premier League. Stokes stated that being too strict with player management could create a situation where "players like him might not play for England again."

The decision has drawn criticism from several former players. Former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull described Archer's absence as "absolutely ludicrous" and "completely wrong." Former England batter Mark Butcher previously called the situation "absolutely ridiculous," while Michael Atherton termed it "incredibly frustrating." afsport.lat