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England Coach McCullum 'Hopeful' Archer Available for Second Test
McCullum said England will assess Archer’s fitness this week and may still leave him out if conditions favor other options.
England head coach Brendon McCullum expects seamer Jofra Archer to be back in contention for next week's second Test against New Zealand after resting him during the Indian Premier League.
Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue combined to take 19 wickets in England's 115-run win at Lord's, with exaggerated bowler-friendly conditions allowing the seam attack to dominate.
Archer took 25 wickets in 16 IPL matches and 18 in five Tests since his return from a four-year absence, prompting McCullum to say "We completely trust Jof."
McCullum indicated Archer would not be guaranteed a place for the June 17 Test, emphasizing the need for "a huge array of fast bowlers based on the conditions."
Archer returns to England this week for assessment before training begins on Sunday, though commentator Simon Doull called his IPL absence "absolutely ludicrous" on Sky Sports.