Archer to miss England opener

JOFRA Archer will not be considered for England’s first ODI against New Zealand on Sunday at a ground which holds unwelcome memories for the talismanic fast bowler.

- By DAVID CHARLESWORTH

It is understood the decision is not injury-related and is instead tailored to suit Archer's Ashes buildup, as he is set to arrive into New Zealand on Saturday morning alongside fellow express quicks Mark Wood and Josh Tongue.

Neither Wood nor Tongue are in England’s squad for three ODIs against the Kiwis, with Archer likely to feature in Hamilton and Wellington next week after skipping the series-opener in Mount Maunganui.

The Bay Oval is where the 30-year-old played his first overseas Test in November 2019, with England heavily criticised for over-bowling him as he sent down 42 overs in one innings on a desperately flat pitch.