England pacer Jofra Archer carried his outstanding form from IPL 2026 into the longest format, claiming the Player of the Series award against New Zealand after a three-match Test series which concluded at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Monday.
The right-arm quick finished with 11 wickets from just two matches in the ENG vs NZ Test 2026 series with an impressive average of 22.81.
Archer finished as England's leading wicket-taker in the series despite missing the opening Test.
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Archer had been instrumental in Rajasthan Royals’ run to the IPL 2026 playoffs, ending the tournament as the team’s highest wicket-taker with 25 scalps in 16 matches.
He carried that rhythm straight into the England setup, producing decisive spells at both The Oval and Trent Bridge Test matches.
Making his first Test appearance since last year's Ashes, Archer struck twice in New Zealand's first innings at The Oval, removing opposition captain Tom Latham with a leading edge induced by late movement before wrapping up the innings by trapping Matt Henry LBW.
He followed it up with another influential spell in the second innings, claiming 3/62.
Archer saved his best for the series finale at Trent Bridge, where he picked up 2/75 in the first innings before producing a spell of 4/53 in the second.
His opening burst in the second innings removed both New Zealand openers, with Latham trapped in front by a full delivery that jagged back before Devon Conway edged a lifting delivery to first slip.
England, however, went on to lose the series 2-1 after being bowled out for 212 while chasing a stiff target of 372 on the final day.
Archer has now claimed 71 wickets in 20 Test matches for England at an average of 28.97, including two six-wicket hauls.
