The 25-year-old fast bowler has been left out of England’s #raisethebat second test against the West Indies following claims he breached biosecurity protocols.
The Barbados born quick has been forced to apologise for failing to adhere to the team’s strict biosecurity measures. In a statement with the ECB, Archer admitted to breaching the measures imposed on the national team.
“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” said Archer.
“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 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.”
The ECB went on to explain that Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two COVID-19 tests in this period, with both having to test negative before his period of self-isolation can be lifted.
Multiple sources have suggested that the breach in protocols occurred when Archer travelled alone from the Ageas Bowl to the Emirates Old Trafford.
Archer’s exclusion from the second test clash will certainly come as a blow to the England team as they look to level the series in Manchester over the next five days. Archer’s removal from the squad follows his dominant second-innings performance in the opening test, where he responded to recent question marks over his commitment to return impressive figures of 3-45. Without their frontman to spearhead the bowling attack, it will be interesting to see if England turn to Sam Curran, or opt to hand Sussex’s Ollie Robinson his test debut. Either way, Archer’s omission from the squad could prove costly to England’s plans of a comeback in the second test.
SPORT central 