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Jofra Archer’s workload management has once again become a topic of discussion. The conversation about the England fast bowler’s workload management has come under question after Kumar Sangakkara’s comments on Sky Sports during England vs New Zealand 3.third Test match commentary.
Joffra Archer, who created a ruckus with the very first ball of the innings in the last Test match of the current three-match Test series, has adopted a different approach in the third match being played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Jofra Archer takes a different approach in the third Test against New Zealand
Instead of maintaining a body line to keep the New Zealand batsmen under constant pressure, the fast bowler bowled a few balls outside the off stump in his first over today. New Zealand captain and opening batsman Tom Latham had no trouble facing Archer in the first over.
So far, the seamer has bowled 4 overs at an economy rate of 3.75. Why are there differences between Jofra Archer in the second test and Archer in the third test?
Does IPL cause problems for England fast bowler’s workload?
Former Sri Lankan captain and head coach of the IPL franchise Kumar Sangakkara said that Archer’s bowling may be affected due to heavy workload. The fast bowler’s workload is under scrutiny since his return to the England national cricket team for the Test against New Zealand.
While most of the England cricketers decided to skip the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) to maintain focus on their international careers, Jofra Archer was an exception who played the entire franchise league with Rajasthan Royals.
Kumar Sangakkara, who is also the franchise’s director of cricket, played a key role in maintaining communication between Rajasthan Royals and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Following the conclusion of the IPL 2026 campaign, Sangakkara claimed that the ECB tried to get their premier fast bowler back as soon as possible, but it was the Royals management that convinced Archer to continue playing in IPL 2026. After representing Rajasthan Royals in 16 matches, Archer missed the opening match of the three-match Test series against New Zealand.
“There has been malpractice on the part of three key individuals [Key, Stokes, McCullum] In this atmosphere of England!”
Kumar Sangakkara analyzes the last few weeks for the England Test team pic.twitter.com/dG5I7QSW61
– Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 25, 2026
Archer returned to action after Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were ruled out of the match due to a controversial nightclub incident. Archer took 5 wickets in brilliant fashion in the match. Since he performed with pure pace and complete aggression, expectations were heavy on him ahead of the series decider.
While most of the cricket fans were expecting another brilliant innings from the 31-year-old, the former Sri Lankan captain shared different views during his commentary stint. Highlighting Archer’s workload, Kumar Sangakkara expressed some doubt over the seamer’s potential performance at Trent Bridge.
Kumar Sangakkara has expressed doubts over Joffra Archer’s performance in the third test.
Cricinfo senior correspondent Matt Roller sheds light on the comments made by the Sri Lankan cricket legend during the England vs New Zealand third match.
“Jofra Archer may have lost some pace this morning due to his heavy workload in the IPL, Rajasthan Royals DOC Kumar Sangakkara said on Sky Commentary,” Matt Roller wrote in his ‘X’ post.
Rajasthan Royals DOC Kumar Sangakkara on Sky Commentary suggests Jofra Archer may have lost his pace this morning due to his heavy workload in the IPL.
– Matt Roller (@mroller98) June 25, 2026
