Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised concerns over England’s handling of Jofra Archer ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand, saying centrally contracted players should not continue with franchise cricket when international duty is approaching.
England will start their home summer with the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 4, but Archer was not included in the squad announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The fast bowler is still being carefully managed after a long injury layoff, even as he continues to play in the Indian Premier League.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Vaughan said the matter goes beyond Archer and reflects a wider issue within English cricket scheduling.
“I’m sure he’ll be in the squad (for the second Test). It comes midway through June. I think we have a problem in English cricket at the moment because Jofra was obviously staying for the full IPL. There’s some contract that the ECB have done with the BCCI that’s allowing all our players to stay for the duration,” Vaughan said.
Vaughan questioned whether England’s central contracts are carrying enough importance, especially in Archer’s case.
“If that’s the case, I have a problem with England’s contracts because Jofra has been looked after by them for a few years now on a very handsome contract. So who holds the key to that? I believe the international contract outweighs any franchise,” he added.
The former England skipper said he supports franchise cricket and understands the opportunities it gives players, but warned that Test cricket should not lose priority.
“Look, all these franchise leagues are fantastic. I love them for the players. But I do feel that if we start to put domestic leagues over and above a Test match, I think there’s a real problem now,” Vaughan stated.
He also said the ECB must make its position clear on player availability when international cricket clashes with franchise tournaments.
“England have got to make a decision because many have spoken out about it in the last week, rightfully so, because we feel that if you’re playing for England in your Test match, players should be back home playing for England. That’s what your central contract says you should be doing,” he noted.
Vaughan further suggested that if the ECB plans to regularly allow players to finish their IPL commitments, then England may need to adjust its international calendar.
“If there is an agreement that the ECB have done with the BCCI, well, I think you’ve got to start your Test summer somewhere a little bit later then,” he said.
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He also spoke from the point of view of England’s management, saying the team should want its best bowling attack available from the first game itself.
“If I was Rob Key, the director of cricket, or Brendon McCullum, the coach, I would want my best bowler playing in that first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Not here,” Vaughan opined.
For Vaughan, the bigger concern remains the future and importance of Test cricket as franchise leagues continue to grow around the world.
“We want to see our best players playing Test match cricket. Those staying, they’re continuing to play the longest format of the game. I want to see them playing for their country,” he said