England's cricket captain Ben Stokes has publicly supported fast bowler Jofra Archer, who will not participate in the opening Test against New Zealand due to his recent commitments with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Archer's absence has sparked criticism from former players and pundits who argue that his national duties should take priority, especially given his central contract with the England team. Stokes acknowledged the frustration among some fans but highlighted the evolving landscape of cricket, where players have more opportunities in franchise leagues than in the past. He emphasized that while it would be ideal to have all players available for every match, the reality is different today. Stokes cautioned that mishandling situations like Archer's could result in talented players opting out of international cricket altogether. He reassured that Archer remains committed to playing for England, despite his current unavailability. Archer is taking a short break before being evaluated for the upcoming matches in the series.