Jofra Archer has been omitted from the shortlist for the Indian Premier League auction for 2025, with Joe Root and Mark Wood also absent.
Former England bowler James Anderson, however, is among the players listed for the auction, which will take place on November 24 and 25.
A total of 1,574 initial entries were cut to 574 following consultation with IPL franchises this week, with all centrally-contracted England players free to enter.
Archer, who represented the Rajasthan Royals between 2018 and 2021 before being bought by the Mumbai Indians for the 2022 competition, was not among those included.
The paceman has outlined his desire to return to Test cricket after recovering from a series of back and elbow injuries, and his absence from the IPL could open the door for him to play red-ball cricket for Sussex next year.
Under new tournament rules, any player who has previously played in the IPL but is not listed for the auction will also be banned from the 2026 edition, ruling out Archer, Root, Wood and England Test captain Ben Stokes, who had already opted to skip the competition.
West Indies secured a thrilling eight-wicket victory over England in the third ODI at Kensington Oval on Wednesday, sealing a 2-1 series win. Powered by centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King, the hosts chased down England’s 263-run target with ease under the floodlights.
England, after a rough start that left them reeling at 24 for 4, rallied to post a competitive 263 for 8, thanks largely to Phil Salt’s 74 and Dan Mousley’s inventive 57. Jamie Overton contributed a brisk 32 off 21 balls, and Jofra Archer added firepower with an unbeaten 38 off just 17 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the West Indies bowlers had already left a mark, with Alzarri Joseph (2 for 40) and Romario Shepherd (2 for 48) taking key early wickets alongside Matthew Forde’s standout 3 for 35.
In reply, West Indies wasted no time asserting dominance. Brandon King launched into Jofra Archer’s first over, slamming consecutive boundaries to set the tone. Although Evin Lewis was dismissed for 19, King and Carty anchored the innings with a record-breaking 209-run partnership, the highest for West Indies against England in ODI cricket. King, who benefitted from two dropped catches, reached his third ODI hundred before being bowled for 102 with just 13 runs needed. Carty’s unbeaten 128 off 97 balls was a maiden ODI century, making him the first cricketer from St. Maarten to reach three figures for West Indies.
The win, secured with ample overs to spare, highlighted the potent combination of West Indies’ bowling strength and the emerging batting prowess of Carty and King, who have undoubtedly set a high standard for the future of Caribbean cricket.
England Test captain Ben Stokes will not play in the 2025 Indian Premier League, after deciding not to put himself in the auction.
While there are 52 English cricketers who have registered for the auction – including James Anderson and Jofra Archer – Stokes will not be among them when it is held on November 24 and 25.
Under new rules announced by the IPL last month, it also means that Stokes will not be eligible to play in the 2026 competition.
But 42-year-old Anderson, who is England's all-time leading wicket taker, will be among the names alongside Archer.
Anderson does so having not played since his final Test against West Indies at Lord's in July, while it is 10 years since he has played T20, and he has never played in a franchise league.
Archer, meanwhile, was the IPL's most valuable player in 2020 and is on the comeback trail following back and elbow injuries this year.
While it is still hoped that he could feature against India next summer and the 2025-26 Ashes series, the 2025 IPL will clash with the beginning of the County Championship and could potentially prevent Archer from proving his Test fitness.
England fast bowler Jofra Archer says that his body is in good shape, as he suggested the next target is a return to Test cricket.
Archer is part of England's white-ball squad touring the West Indies.
This is his first tour since he recovered from a stress fracture in his elbow, which kept him out of the 2023 Ashes series.
Although England were beaten by eight wickets on the DLS method in the first ODI against West Indies on Thursday, the series is about more than just winning for Archer.
"My body is in good stead. It’s only been one year of bowling properly as well," he told TNT Sports.
"Before you can play in an ODI, you have to be bowling [10 overs] in training to make sure your body can withstand the load.
"To be honest, I’ve not been doing anything more than [that]."
The 29-year-old returned to international cricket following his injury at the 2024 T20 World Cup and has since played in the home ODI series against Australia.
He needs just four wickets to reach 50 in ODIs, which would make him the 30th England player to hit that milestone in the format.
But he has not featured in a Test since facing India in Ahmedabad in 2021. The sight of him on England duty will likely raise questions about his potential future involvement in the longer format.
"The next phase is maybe for me to start thinking about Test cricket and doing some more loads, but for now, I’m quite happy, and the management are quite happy with everything that I’m doing," he said.
Nimar Bolden’s maiden century has put Wildey in a commanding position against ESA Field Pickwick as they edge closer to an innings victory in Series 5 of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Elite division three-day Championship. On the second day of the match at Wildey, the 21-year-old left-hander scored a brilliant 119 to help Wildey post 300 for six declared, building a massive first-innings lead of 239 runs.
Bolden, who started the day on 36 with Wildey at 112 for one, faced 148 balls and struck eight fours and four sixes. His knock was supported by Demetrius Richards, who made 57, and Carlos Maynard, who contributed 39, helping Wildey pile on the runs before declaring after 56 overs.
Pickwick struggled in their second innings, closing on 112 for seven, still trailing by 127 runs. Opener Craig Holder top-scored with 50 off 98 balls, putting on 58 for the fourth wicket with Shamar Forde (29). However, Jerome Jones with three for nine and Jofra Archer, who took three for 21 to add to his first-innings haul of five for seven, kept Wildey in firm control.
At Bank Hall, defending champions Empire were battling Fusionz Boutique Spartan, who took a 35-run first-innings lead after being bowled out for 260. West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was the standout for Empire, finishing with figures of four for 38. Empire were in trouble at 112 for six but fought back to reach 225 all out, with Shaquille Cumberbatch top-scoring with 59 and Camarie Boyce adding 37. Off-spinner Chaim Holder took four for 70, and pacer Sadrian Ward claimed three for 42. Spartan will resume their second innings on one without loss.
At Beckles Road, Wanderers took a first-innings lead over Bayview Hospital YMPC after responding to YMPC’s 280 for seven declared with 283 for six declared. West Indies Test captain Kraigg Brathwaite led the charge for Wanderers, finishing unbeaten on 78, while opener Shayne Moseley made 76. YMPC were 12 without loss at the close of play in their second innings.
At Friendship, UWI fought back after IGS Insurance Brokers Yorkshire secured a first-innings lead of 51. Yorkshire were dismissed for 305, with Athelbert Brathwaite scoring 86 and Indal Persaud adding 79. UWI reached 147 for two at stumps, with Amari Goodridge on 77 not out and Shaqkere Parris unbeaten on 57.
At Lester Vaughan, Superb Bend Gladiola took a 36-run first-innings lead over SigniaGlobe Financial Barbados Youth, posting 253. All-rounder Giovonte Depeiza top-scored with 51. The Barbados Youth team closed on 27 for two in their second innings.
As the competition continues, Wildey, Spartan, Wanderers, and Gladiola all look set to push for strong finishes in this round of the BCA Elite division three-day Championship.
Barbados-born England fast bowler Jofra Archer delivered an extraordinary performance on the opening day of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Elite Division three-day Championship on Saturday, capturing 5-7 to lead Wildey into a dominant position against ESA Field Pickwick.
Playing at the SJPI ground, Archer, in his return to Barbados cricket, bowled eight overs in two sharp spells, as Pickwick struggled to deal with his pace and accuracy, being bowled out for just 61 in 30 overs after being sent in. Wildey captain Jerome Jones also proved effective, taking three wickets for a mere three runs in his seven-over spell of left-arm spin, contributing to Pickwick's dismal collapse.
By the close of play, Wildey solidified their hold on the match, reaching 112 for one off 24 overs. Demetrius Richards remained unbeaten on 41, and Nimar Bolden was not out on 36, guiding their side into a strong position. The pair shared an unbroken 58-run partnership, following Zachary McCaskie's solid contribution of 34, as Wildey built a healthy lead.
Elsewhere in the competition, there were other standout performances across the island.
At Bank Hall, half-centuries from captain Akeem Springer (67) and Mikhail Austin (65) propelled Fusionz Boutique Spartan to 254 for eight after winning the toss against defending champions Empire. The pair added 90 for the third wicket, giving Spartan the upper hand, before Empire's spinners Jomel Warrican and Nathan Sealy, both recently returned from CPL duties, pegged back Spartan, sharing five wickets between them.
At Lester Vaughan, Superb Blend Gladiola captain Matthew Jones also produced a fine spell, taking five for 69 as his side bowled out SigniaGlobe Financial BCA Youth for 217. Gladiola closed the day at 42 without loss, setting the stage for a strong reply.
Meanwhile, at Friendship, left-arm spinner Steve Pinder’s five-wicket haul helped IGS Insurance Brokers Yorkshire dismiss UWI for 254, despite some late resistance from Chemar Holder (47) and Shaquan Cave (50), who added 78 for the eighth wicket. Yorkshire responded with 79 for one by stumps.
Finally, at Beckles Road, Bayview Hospital YMPC posted the highest total of the day, declaring at 280 for seven, with opener Raymond Kellman blasting 80 off 48 balls. Captain Kemal Smith (68) and Jadan Jones (57) also contributed valuable runs against Championship leaders Wanderers, who faced a tough battle ahead.
The BCA Elite Division's first day of Series 5 produced captivating cricket, with Jofra Archer’s sensational five-wicket performance stealing the spotlight as Wildey asserted their dominance.
Jofra Archer is “just happy” to be back playing for England after taking two wickets in their 186-run win over Australia to level the teams' ODI series.
The right-arm fast bowler has faced years of injury problems, including recurring stress fractures in his back and right elbow, but made his return to international action in June for the T20 World Cup.
Since then, he has also featured for Southern Brave in The Hundred and played four of England’s six white-ball matches during Australia’s tour.
He bowled Australia opener and captain Mitchell Marsh out and saw Glenn Maxwell caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith last time out, moving within four dismissals of a half-century of wickets in ODIs.
“I've been back to this rhythm for a little while now. I felt it in the World Cup and I've just been taking it series by series,” he told reporters afterwards.
“The World Cup was a good check mark. This [fourth ODI] was a good check mark. The Caribbean will be another good check mark.
“I know I’ve been out, it’s been a while but I am playing cricket again and I’m just happy.”
Adil Rashid says he has no plans to retire "any time soon" after becoming the first English spinner to reach 200 ODI wickets.
England are aiming to avoid a series defeat in their third ODI match against Australia after being consigned to a 68-run defeat at Headingley on Saturday to see the tourists take a 2-0 lead.
Rashid along with Jofra Archer are the only survivors of England's 2019 World Cup-winning squad as England aim to rebuild their white-ball sides.
With captain Jos Buttler sitting out the ODI series against Australia through injury, 36-year-old Rashid is the oldest player in a fresh-faced squad by five years.
While newcomers Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox and John Turner are taking their first steps on the international stage, Rashid remains an integral part of England's future.
Tuesday's clash in Durham will be Rashid's 138th cap for England, but the spin bowler has no plans to follow fellow spinner Moeen Ali into retirement.
"I have not thought about it [retirement] yet," Rashid told the BBC.
"Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies - that is my ultimate aim.
"I have not thought about retiring or calling it a day any time soon."
Having failed in the defence of both their white-ball world titles in the past year, England are rebuilding with a view to the Champions Trophy in February.
Both Joe Root, who was rested before next month's Test tour of Pakistan, and injured captain Jos Buttler are expected to be in England's future plans.
However, the Headingley defeat against Australia was England's 10th in their past 14 ODIs, but Rashid insisted that they have the talent coming through to improve.
"There have been big changes, new batters, new bowlers," Rashid said. "It will take time. It will always take time when it is a rebuilding process.
"We have got every base covered in terms of bowling, batting, keeping.
"Everything is there for us. All we have to do now is play the game of cricket, enjoy it, string a few games together of winning and then off we go."
England will continue to take a cautious approach to managing Jofra Archer's workload during the upcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia. The Barbados-born fast bowler, who has been steadily reintroduced to international cricket following a series of injuries, will be closely monitored throughout the series, according to a report from ESPN Cricinfo.
Archer's return to the international stage has been managed with great care this year. After making his comeback with two T20 Internationals against Pakistan in May, he featured in all eight of England's matches during June's T20 World Cup, where he emerged as their joint-highest wicket-taker. However, since then, his playing time has been carefully limited. He did not play at all for Sussex in the latter half of the T20 Blast's group stages and was given intermittent rest periods during The Hundred, much to the frustration of Southern Brave captain James Vince.
Since The Hundred, Archer has only played two matches: a T20 Blast quarter-final for Sussex and one T20I for England against Australia, where he showcased his skill at the death by clean-bowling Sean Abbott and Xavier Bartlett in consecutive deliveries. He was rested for the second T20I in Cardiff, and the series decider was washed out by rain in Manchester. Despite these limited appearances, Archer has consistently proven why England has invested heavily in his recovery and return.
Archer is now part of England's 15-man squad for the ODI series against Australia, starting in Nottingham. However, given that he has not played a 50-over game in the last 18 months, he may be rested for one or two matches in the series. England is taking a gradual approach to increasing his workload, especially considering his long-term ambitions to return to red-ball cricket. Archer has not played a first-class match since May 2021 due to his persistent back and elbow issues.
"Jofra will have to be managed throughout the series," England captain Jos Buttler told Sky Sports on Sunday. "He's played a really good stint now of T20 cricket, but obviously you can only bowl four overs in there. There's a jump in intensity getting loads up to taking full part in an ODI - and of course, as an England fan, to push those loads up hopefully to get back into the Test arena as well."
England's interim coach, Marcus Trescothick, echoed Buttler's sentiments, emphasizing that Archer is aware of and comfortable with the long-term plan to manage his workload. "He knows the plan," Trescothick said. "It's discussed long in advance of picking the team on each day. We know what we're doing with him, and where we're going. He's comfortable: he knows what he's doing."
Trescothick further explained that managing Archer's workload is part of a broader strategy, involving coordination between the coaching staff, team directors, and medical personnel. "That's a bigger structure, in terms of what we're trying to do with Jofra. You come into the series knowing what we've got and what we can do with him. That's an agreed plan between the coaches, directors, physios, and all the different people. We'll still be managing him [in the ODIs] - exactly the same thing."
England's cautious approach to Archer's reintegration into international cricket reflects the value they place on his long-term fitness. With Archer having already shown glimpses of his match-winning capabilities, his careful management during the ODI series against Australia aims to ensure he remains a key asset for England in all formats of the game for years to come.
Travis Head led the way for Australia, setting them on their way to a comfortable 28-run victory over England in their first of three T20Is on Wednesday.
England had salvaged some pride during Australia's late collapse, only to fumble their chance with the bat as they failed to reach their target of 180.
Australia got off to a flying start, with Head hitting 59 off 23 balls, including 30 off Sam Curran in a single over with three fours and three sixes.
Liam Livingstone helped to slow the tide with 3-22, including taking opener Matt Short (41), before the tourists collapsed, losing their last five wickets for 14 runs, with Jofra Archer taking two in two (2-31), to finish 179 all out.
The hosts just could not get going though, as Phil Salt was caught for 20 before Curran (18) and Livingstone (37) both departed in the space of four deliveries to stunt any England progress.
Jordan Cox (17), one of three debutants, had already been dismissed, thanks to Tim David's stunning catch at full stretch, before the lower order slumped to 151 in the final over.
The second T20I takes place on Friday in Cardiff, where England will attempt to force a decider for the final contest on Sunday.
Data Debrief: Unhappy homecoming
Australia have won back-to-back T20Is against England for the first time since February 2018, but the hosts would have expected much better when they saw the target set for them.
Instead, they failed to win a third consecutive T20 match at The Rose Bowl, their longest outright losing streak at the venue in the history of the format.
Kieron Pollard played one of his trademark innings to help the Southern Brave secure an improbable victory over the Trent Rockets in the Men’s Hundred at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday.
After winning the toss and batting first, the Rockets posted 126-8 from their 100 balls.
Openers Tom Banton and Adam Lyth gave the Rockets a good start with a partnership of 46 for the first wicket before both went in quick succession for 30 and 16, respectively.
A series of starts from Alex Hales (15), Joe Root (16), Rovman Powell (16) and captain Lewis Gregory (19) propelled the Rockets to their score.
Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for the Brave with 3-22 from his 20 balls while Jofra Archer and Danny Briggs took two wickets, each.
The Brave then needed 99 balls to reach 127-8 and secure victory.
After a 43-run opening partnership between Alex Davies and captain James Vince, the Brave lost a cluster of wickets very quickly, eventually struggling at 78-6, needing 49 from 20 balls.
Kieron Pollard, who at that point has scored six off 14 balls, faced up to Rashid Khan in a crucial set of five to likely determine the outcome of the game.
The former West Indies captain then produced one of the most brutal displays of hitting of his career, belting Khan for five sixes in a row to put the Brave firmly in control, now needing 19 from 15 for victory.
The momentum continued in the way of the brave as the next set of five balls went for 10 runs to leave the Brave needing nine runs off 10 balls.
Pollard’s innings came to an end off the first ball of the next set for a 23-ball 45 including two fours and five sixes, bringing Jofra Archer to the crease to join Chris Jordan.
With the Brave eventually needing four runs off two balls, Jordan hit Lewis Gregory for four over square leg to secure the win.
Nicholas Pooran led the way with a half-century as the Northern Superchargers secured a seven-wicket win over the Southern Brave to open their account in this season’s Hundred at Headingley in Leeds on Tuesday.
The Brave, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted 146-8 off their 100 balls thanks to a 22-ball 37 from former West Indies captain Kieron Pollard and cameos of 28 and 26 from Alex Davies and James Coles, respectively.
Callum Parkinson took 2-38 from his 20 balls of left-arm spin for the Superchargers.
The Superchargers then needed only 85 balls to reach 147-3 and secure their first win of the season.
Pooran than led the successful chase with 62 off 34 balls including four fours and five sixes while captain Harry Brook finished 34* off 20 balls including four fours and a six.
Opener Graham Clark also chipped in with 27.
Akeal Hosein took 1-19 off 15 balls for the Brave.
Full Scores:
Southern Brave 146-8 off 100 balls (Kieron Pollard 37, Alex Davies 28, James Coles 26, Callum Parkinson 2-38)
Northern Superchargers 147-3 off 85 balls (Nicholas Pooran 62, Harry Brook 34*, Graham Clark 27, Akeal Hosein 1-19, Jofra Archer 1-19)
Jofra Archer says he wants to play in the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia as he outlined his intentions for a return to Test cricket with England.
Archer has not been part of England's Test side since February 2021, with the paceman having struggled with numerous injuries over the last few years.
He performed well in the 2019 Ashes, taking 22 wickets at an average of 20.27, and his full involvement in England's recent T20 World Cup campaign hints at a return to the longer format.
His pace would be ideal on Australia's bouncy pitches and a real asset to captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum as they aim to win an Ashes series down under for the first time in 14 years.
Nevertheless, Archer's fitness is being carefully monitored by the management team and he will not play any red-ball cricket in 2024.
When asked about the possibility of being involved in the Ashes, Archer said: "I am going to use the rest of the year to make sure this is at least a possibility.
"I'm tired of going on Instagram and seeing posts saying 'He's going to be on the physio's bed in the next two weeks' and stuff like that.
"I want to spend the rest of the year proving some people wrong and hopefully play in another Ashes."
Archer himself also said that he would be keen to play first-class cricket for Sussex early next summer.
Speaking as part of BBC Sport's coverage for the opening match of the Hundred, the 29-year-old said: "I will manage myself as best as possible and get myself through until at least maybe the start of the Championship next year.
"I'll probably play a few of those games and keep building up and getting that workload ready for Test cricket."
He will make his debut in the 100-ball competition on Wednesday for Southern Brave against London Spirit at the Utilita Bowl.
South Africa made it two wins from two in the T20 World Cup Super 8s with a seven-run victory over England on Friday, edging them closer to the final four.
Quinton de Kock starred for the Proteas, but it was Anrich Nortje who ensured England could not win thanks to his bowling in the final over.
South Africa got off to the perfect start, registering their second-most productive powerplay in the tournament so far, without losing a wicket.
De Kock hit his half-century off 22 balls, eventually finishing with 65. However, they soon slipped away as England rallied.
Despite an early over costing him 21 runs, Archer finished strongly on 3-40, helped by some superb catching from Jos Buttler as England eventually limited them to 163-6.
However, England could not keep that momentum going when they stepped up to bat, getting just 41 runs in their own powerplay – their lowest tally this year.
It was not until the introduction of Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) that they found their groove, but when the former got caught in the in the final over, Sam Curran and Jofra Archer could not get the 14 runs they needed from the final five balls, finishing just short on 156-6.
Data Debrief: Records aplenty for De Kock
De Kock has scored back-to-back fifties at the T20 World Cup, but his tally today equalled the fastest half-century of the tournament (USA's Aaron Jones also got 50 off 22 balls).
His 49 runs in the powerplay is the most by a South Africa batter at a men's T20 World Cup, beating his own previous record of 46 against England in 2016.
Jos Buttler has praised Jofra Archer upon his return to international cricket at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Archer spent over a year on the sidelines nursing an elbow injury following a recurrence of a stress fracture that ruled him out of summer cricket 12 months ago.
The 29-year-old has taken five wickets for Matthew Molt's side, the latest coming in their 41-run triumph over Namibia as they progressed to the Super 8 stage following Australia's win over Scotland.
"We were in and out looking at the weather and Jofra was asleep on the bench - he's in a really good place," said Buttler.
"I’m just delighted to see him back in an England shirt playing on the big stage."
Archer's struggles with injury have persisted for the last three years, missing England's 2023 Ashes series against the Aussies.
The fast bowler played a pivotal role in Three Lions' ODI World Cup success in 2019, and has recaptured that form which saw him take 20 wickets during that tournament.
Archer has captured a wicket in each of England's World Cup fixtures, averaging an economy rate of 5.91, only bettered by Reece Topley (3.60).
Buttler has been impressed with the 29-year-old's form in the opening stages of the tournament, but revealed his progress has exceeded his expectations.
"He’s been fantastic and is an amazing guy to have in the team to throw the ball to," said Buttler.
"He’s exceeded certainly my expectations for where he would be at. He was probably expecting that of himself."
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