England pacer Jofra Archer will not feature in the opening ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, October 26. His absence isn’t due to injury but rather a carefully structured workload management plan designed to keep him fully fit for the Ashes 2025-26 series starting in late November.
According to ESPNcricinfo, there is no fitness concern surrounding the right-arm seamer. Archer, who has already been rested for the ongoing T20I series, will rejoin the ODI group on Thursday. He will travel with fellow quicks Mark Wood and Josh Tongue as part of England’s pre-Ashes conditioning programme.
Archer’s Comeback and Red-Ball Plans
Earlier this year, Archer made his long-awaited Test comeback at Lord’s. He featured in the Third Test of the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India. That match marked his return to red-ball cricket after four years. During this period, repeated elbow injuries kept him away from the format.
The 30-year-old has faced a persistent stress fracture in his right elbow, which forced England to carefully monitor his playing schedule. His management is viewed as crucial in maximizing his availability for the upcoming Ashes.
Ashes 2025-26 Schedule
The Ashes series between Australia and England will begin on November 21, 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth.
1st Test: November 21–25 (Optus Stadium, Perth)
2nd Test: December 4–8 (Day-Night) (The Gabba, Brisbane)
3rd Test: December 17–21 (Adelaide Oval)
4th Test: December 25–29 (MCG, Melbourne)
5th Test: January 4–8 (SCG, Sydney)
The first Test in Perth will be critical for England’s pace attack, and Archer’s fitness is a major part of the strategy.
England’s Strategy: Fitness Over Frequency
England’s management has consistently prioritized long-term player availability for marquee series. Archer’s omission from the first ODI reflects their intent to balance match practice with recovery time. The fast bowler remains central to England’s red-ball plans for the Ashes 2025-26 and will gradually build his workload ahead of the series opener.
With Archer, Wood, and Tongue preparing together, England aims to head into the Ashes with a fully fit pace unit capable of making an early impact in Perth.
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