England pacer Jofra Archer has been dropped from the side for the second Test against West Indies at Old Trafford after a “breach of bio-secure protocols”. Archer is expected to undergo five days of self-isolation and COVID-19 tests during this period.
Archer, who had been named in the squad on Wednesday, apologised to his team and the management for his actions, saying that he accepted its consequences.
“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 sincerely apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble,” he said.
“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,” he added.
The England and Wales Cricket Board, meanwhile, released a statement confirming the same, but did not elaborate on what Archer did to break protocol. He would be allowed to return to the team only after two COVID-19 negative results.
“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,” it said.
The ECB added that the West Indies team have been informed of the breach and are “satisfied with the measures that have been imposed”.
England go into the second Test in Manchester after losing the first of the three-match series at Southampton by four wickets as international cricket resumed last week amid the coronavirus pandemic.
