NZ vs ENG: Jofra Archer speaks out on racial abuse during Test match
While England slumped to an innings and 65 runs defeat against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, fast bowler Jofra Archer revealed an important detail from the game. The England pacer battled out 50 balls in an attempt to save the game but his efforts went in vain. After the match, Archer tweeted about racial abuse that he had to bear. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have launched an investigation for the same.
The tweet in question
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
England needed to bat out the fifth day of the first Test to ensure a draw. Coming in at 138/8, Archer fought hard for his 30 on the final afternoon in a stand with Sam Curran. Neil Wagner accounted for Archer’s dismissal as substitute Matt Henry held onto the catch. However, as Archer walked off the pitch after his dismissal, the 24 year-old revealed that he was racially abused by a member of the crowd.
Also read: Watling double, England in trouble: Highlights from NZ vs ENG 1st Test
The boards issue statements
The spectator in question was not apprehended at Bay Oval and both the ECB and NZC confirmed they will launch an investigation for identifying the person. An ECB statement added, “The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supported by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are conducting an investigation into racial abuse aimed towards England cricketer Jofra Archer during day five of the first 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. NZC and ECB ensure that clear guidelines are in place at every venue so that watching a cricket match is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
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
New Zealand Cricket also released the following statement, “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising 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”
“It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”
