Jofra Archer has been excluded from today’s second Test against the West Indies at Old Trafford following a breach of England’s bio-secure protocols.
The ECB has confirmed 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 is understood Archer went to his home in Hove after Monday’s match concluded, a breach of the protocols which are in place to keep players in the two bio-secure venues that have been set up at the Ageas Bowl – where England lost the first Test by four wickets – and Old Trafford.
“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” said Archer.
“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.”
Both teams have been living, training and sleeping in two ‘bubble’ sites, at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, adhering to strict health and safety procedures agreed by both boards.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports News: “It is naive and silly to get it wrong because of the effort that’s gone in, and the health risk – this is a serious illness and you cannot risk infecting anyone.
“We don’t know if it was just a naivety from Jofra or if it was something more serious. He has apologised, it is a very unusual situation that we all find ourselves in and he’s made a mistake.”
Hussain pointed out the issue is an unwelcome one for England captain Joe Root, taking back the reins from Ben Stokes after missing last week’s first Test to attend the birth of his second child.
“His team-mates will be disappointed, as will his captain Joe Root,” he said.
