England fast bowler Jofra Archer was dropped from the squad hours before the second Test match against West Indies at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday for breaking the team’s bio-secure protocols, announced England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two Covid-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.
England vs West Indies 2nd Test, Day 1 Live score and updates
The West Indies team have been made aware and are satisfied with the measures that have been imposed.
“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” said Archer, who made an impressive return to the Test side after in injury. Archer troubled the West Indian batsmen with his pace and bounce even on a fifth day track at Southampton and his absence from the second Test could turn out to be a major blow for the hosts.
“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,” the pacer added.
{{/usCountry}}“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,” the pacer added.
{{/usCountry}}With James Anderson and Mark Wood already rested from this Test match, England will now have entirely different pace attack going into the second Test. Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes were certain to play in place of Anderson and Wood but now with Archer out, the door opens for left-arm medium pacer Sam Curran and uncapped Ollie Robinson.
England trail the three-match series 1-0 after losing the opening Test by 4 wickets.