Jofra Archer subjected to racial insults:
England’s Top star bowler Jofra Archer was racially abused on the final day of their first Test against New Zealand by a member of the crowd following his dismissal.
Jofra Archer scored 30 runs from 50 deliveries after sharing a 59 runs partnership for the eighth-wicket with Sam Curran. England lost their last two wickets on 197 runs as New Zealand won the match by an innings and 65 runs while also securing their lead in the 2-match Test series by 1-0.
The 24-years-old made his debut against Australia in August this year and has played 5 Test matches so far in his career, claiming 23 wickets with an average of 24.04. He has played 14 ODIs since his debut against Ireland in May 2019, claiming 23 wickets.
After the finish, Archer tweeted about the racial insults he received from a member of the crowd as he walked out of the ground following his dismissal in the second innings of the 1st Test.
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019
NZC’s launches investigation for the perpetrator who racially abused Jofra Archer:
England Cricket Board (ECB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that they will launch an investigation to identify the person responsible for the racial remarks following Archer’s dismissal. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also said that the board will be in contact with Archer to apologize to him.
“The England Cricket Board (ECB) supported by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are conducting an investigation into racial abuse aimed towards England cricketer Jofra Archer during day 5 of the 1st Test match in Mount Maunganui. The incident took place after Archer was dismissed and was walking off the field to the pavilion. Through the scrutiny of CCTV footage at Bay Oval, authorities are trying to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the remarks. The investigation is ongoing.” Read the ECB statement.
“NZC and ECB ensures that clear guidelines are in place at every venue so that watching a cricket match is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident, there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behavior within the game, and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward and report such behavior and feel safe in doing so.”
New Zealand Cricket said in a statement: “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologizing to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavor to identify the man responsible.
“NZC has zero-tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to the police. It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologize for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”
The Black Caps also tweeted in favor of Jofra Archer with the team account after the incident, which said that they were disappointed to hear of the verbal abuse Archer received after the Test.
We are shocked and disappointed to hear of the verbal abuse @JofraArcher received after the Test today. @englandcricket might be our rivals but they're also our friends and racist abuse is never okay!
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 25, 2019
Jofra Archer also revealed that the same person, who delivered the racial insults towards him, approached him via Instagram with further abuses.
Archer bowled 42 overs in the only innings against New Zealand in the 1st Test with 15 maidens. He conceded 107 runs while claiming the wicket of wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling, who scored 205 runs from 473 deliveries.
