Jofra Archer dropped from second Test after breaching bio-secure protocols

 

England’s gun fast bowler, Jofra Archer has been dropped from the second Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester against the West Indies. The news comes a couple of hours before the start of the second Test match.

Archer breached the team’s bio secure environment and thus broke the protocol. Archer has admitted his mistake and he stated that he not only put himself in danger but also his teammates.

Consequently, Archer will now be in self isolation for five days. The England fast bowler will be tested twice for coronavirus and if he is tested negative on both occasions, the self isolation period will be lifted.

“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” Archer said. “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 sincerely apologise to everyone in the biosecure 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.”

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer had gone wicketless in the first innings of the first Test match at Ageas Bowl, Southampton. However, he had bounced back in style in the second dig as he picked up three wickets.

Archer bowled a fiery opening spell and gave an opening to the England team to stay in the contest. The lanky pacer was right on the money and had breathed down the neck of the West Indies batsman. Thus, it is a big blow for the home side as Archer now has been dropped.

Archer has had a great start to his Test career as he has scalped 33 wickets in eight Test matches at an average of 28.12. The 25-year old pacer can crank up great speed and has an accurate bouncer in his arsenal to trouble the opposition batsman.

England had rested James Anderson and Mark Wood for the second Test and thus it was a given that Archer would play in the second Test match. However, as he is now dropped from the squad, it may lead to an opportunity for Sam Curran or Ollie Robinson. Stuart Broad who was dropped from the first Test match is likely to play in the second Test.