Why isn't Jofra Archer playing against New Zealand?

England are facing-off against New Zealand in the opening Test match of the summer but Jofra Archer is not part of the XI.

When England announced their 15-man squad for the opening Test against the Black Caps, managing director Rob Key said that Archer was "unavailable" for selection, despite being a centrally contracted player.

Centrally contracted players have their availability dictated by the ECB. England staff have ultimate say in, for example, when a player might be able to represent their county.

We know Archer is fit and firing, so why is he not taking part at Lord's?

Archer's involvement in the IPL has ultimately ruled him out of the first Test.

The 31-year-old performed extremely well throughout the tournament, picking up 25 wickets as Rajasthan Royals reached the second qualifying final.

Following his involvement in the league, Archer has travelled to Barbados for a short break.

Whilst England technically could have stopped Archer from competing in the IPL due to his contract, that would involve running the risk of harming their future relationship. The BCCI have a precedent for blocking future involvement of players that leave the league early to join up with their national side.

The BCCI have also tightened rules surrounding players who withdraw from their contracts, handing out two-year bans as a result.

England coach Brendon McCullum has also cast doubt regarding Archer's availability for the second Test at the Oval.

"We've seen in the past we can leave Jof to his own devices, work on his game and follow a plan that has been set," McCullum told reporters at the BBC.

"He turns up having followed that plan to a tee. When we see him, we'll work out where he sits and if he's available for the second Test; if not, we'll look at the third Test."

England are 8/15 to win the three-match series against New Zealand but there chances will surely take a knock if Archer is only able to feature once.

Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.