Archer given all-clear to rejoin England squad

JOFRA Archer has rejoined his England team-mates ahead of the deciding Test against the West Indies after a second negative test for Covid-19.

Archer was removed from the squad on the eve of the second Test after it emerged he had breached the bio-secure bubble with an unauthorised trip to his flat in Hove.

He was placed in five days of isolation at Emirates Old Trafford’s on-site hotel, allowed out only for carefully controlled solitary fitness work, and later fined around £15,000 at a disciplinary hearing for his transgression.

Having come into contact with an unnamed individual during his detour, Archer needed to get two all-clears before being allowed to take return to the playing group and got the green light yesterday morning.

England now have a decision to make over his selection for the series decider. Once again England have a strong set of six seamers to choose from, with Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam

Curran all contributing to a 113-run win while James Anderson, Mark Wood and Archer stand by fully rested.

Captain Joe Root said: “It was disappointing from our side of things but as far as I’m concerned he’s been through a disciplinary meeting, he’s very aware of the consequences of his actions and very remorseful. As a side and mates we’ve been there for him.

“He’s aware he made a massive error but once the disciplinary has gone through it’s time for us to look at him being available.”