England’s fast bowler Jofra Archer was dropped from the playing XI ahead of the second Test against the West Indies for breaching the team’s bio-secure protocol. As per ‘BBC Test Match Special’ Archer had visited his home after the first Test.
Now, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken strict action against Archer. The English board, on Saturday, confirmed that it has fined the Bridgetown-born paceman and has also issued a written warning to the bowler.
“Following a disciplinary hearing held on Friday evening, 17 July, England cricketer Jofra Archer has been fined an undisclosed amount and received an official written warning after admitting to breaching the team’s bio-secure protocols on Monday 13 July when he made an unauthorised visit to his home in Hove,” ECB’s official statement read.
“Archer was withdrawn from England’s second Test squad against West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford and is commencing five days of isolation at the venue. He will undergo two COVID-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted. He is due to rejoin the rest of the squad on Tuesday 21 July.
“The hearing was chaired by Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket and included Archer’s agent and a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association,” the statement read further.
Archer had also issued an apology for the irresponsible behaviour stating that he admits the consequences of his action.
“I am extremely sorry for what I have done. I have put, not only myself but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and I want to apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble. It deeply pains me to be missing the Test match, especially with the series poised. I feel like I have let both teams down, and again I am sorry,” Archer had said.
England are currently taking on West Indies in the second Test match at Old Trafford. The hosts managed to put up a first-innings total of 469/9d on Day 2. Opener Dom Sibley and all-rounder Ben Stokes smashed individual centuries.
However, on Day 3, the first and second session has been washed out due to rain with the West Indies stranded on their overnight score of 32/1.
