Butcher questions England captain Stokes’ move to number seven ahead of Tests against NZ Former England batter Mark Butcher has raised concerns over England captain Ben Stokes’ decision to drop to number seven in the batting order for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Butcher also expressed confusion over pacer Jofra Archer’s absence following his IPL 2026 participation. The Test is scheduled to begin on June 10, with subsequent matches at The Oval on June 17 and Trent Bridge on June 25. Butcher criticized Stokes’ shift to number seven, noting that the captain has batted at that position only 17 times in 216 Test innings, compared to 131 appearances at number six. His batting performance has declined since the 2023 Ashes, with an average of 28.17 from 23 matches, including just one century and seven half-centuries. On the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Butcher questioned the rationale behind the move, suggesting it might be linked to Stokes’ potential role as a bowler. “I don’t understand why he needs to drop down to seven,” Butcher said. “I wonder whether that’s a move because Stokes has decided, ‘I’m our best bowler, I’m going to take the new ball.’ That to me is a viable and valid option as far as the guys we’ve got.” He drew a parallel to Ian Botham’s career in the 1980s, when the all-rounder often batted at number five and opened the bowling in Tests. Butcher argued that Stokes’ presence at number six would better support the team’s batting lineup. “Why does he need to drop down to seven?” Butcher added. “When he is playing well, in terms of skill and temperament, he provides a perfect ballast to the more dashing players around the order. You’ve got Joe Root, who will play at a regular tempo. We don’t know what Emilio Gay is going to do, so Root at No.#ipl_2026 #ben_stokes #jofra_archer #lord_s #mark_butcher
