The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Archer trip could have been ‘a disaster’, claims director
CRICKET: Giles hits out after bowler’s unauthorised visit home threatened summer of Test action
Jofra Archer’s unauthorised trip to Brighton could have resulted in “a disaster” costing “tens of millions of pounds” according to Ashley Giles.
Archer breached the strict biosecurity guidelines that have been placed on the ongoing Test series against the West Indies by taking a brief detour to his Brighton home and meeting an unnamed individual following last week’s defeat in Southampton.
That was in direct contravention of rules that have been imposed on both teams as part of a wide-reaching agreement that has allowed the return of international sport in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Archer revealed his jaunt to a member of team management late on the eve of the second Test, after being named in the squad, and the incident sent the England and Wales Cricket Board into crisis mode overnight.
For Archer the consequences were immediate – axed from the match, placed into self-isolation for five days on-site at Emirates Old Trafford and subjected to an ongoing disciplinary process – but the aftershock could have been even more drastic.
The third party he met with has already tested negative for Covid-19 at the ECB’s prompting, and Archer must also do so twice before being cleared to rejoin the group, but the transgression might feasibly have scuppered the entire England fixture list.
“This could have been a disaster. The ripple effect this could have had through the whole summer could have cost us tens of millions of pounds,” said Giles, managing director of men’s cricket at the ECB. “The potential knock-on effect I don’t think he could have understood. A lot is at stake – this match, this series, this summer and, financially, things much bigger beyond that.
“With the help of government and the help of the opposition, in the case the West Indies, the series was set up with these protocols and we have to abide by them. Everyone has to abide by them.
“If you know what the protocol says and what’s expected of you it’s a simple choice.”
It is understood that as well as informing the West Indies of the breach, ECB officials were also involved in conversations with counterparts from the boards of Ireland, Pakistan and Australia, all of whom are due to play England this summer.
Those who have been involved in offering political assistance were also contacted and are unlikely to be impressed by the revelation.
In a statement issued yesterday morning, Archer said: “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. 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.”
On the field Dom Sibley occupied the crease for the entire opening day, joining Ben Stokes in a partnership that successfully drew some of the heat from Archer.
England established a hard-fought position of strength at 207 for three thanks to an unbroken stand of 126.
Sibley set the bar as he made 86 not out from 253 balls, showing endless deliberation over six hours. His methods may have been dull at times, going at essentially a run per over, but they were priceless for his team’s standing in the game.
After being sent in to bat 1-0 down, under cloudy skies and with the floodlights on from the start, his ability to plug away in stately defence was hugely valuable to the cause.
Stokes reached stumps on 59 not out and will fancy his chances of cashing in today.
Both Rory Burns and Zak Crawley will be envious of their occupation, having fallen to successive deliveries from spinner Roston Chase either side of lunch.
Captain Joe Root, meanwhile, marked his return following the birth of his second child by nicking a booming drive to second slip for 23.
Having already made the call to rest James Anderson and Mark Wood for Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, Archer’s omission ensured a complete overhaul of the frontline seam attack.
All-rounder Sam Curran edged the uncapped Ollie Robinson for the final shirt but the revamped bowling unit would have to wait for its chance, with Jason Holder winning the toss and sending the hosts in.