SERIAL PITCH INVADER IS FINALLY BROUGHT TO JUSTICE

THE notorious Test match pitch invader known as Jarvo — real name Daniel Jarvis — was arrested on suspicion of assault after entering the field for the third straight game, sparking a confrontation with Jonny Bairstow yesterday. Despite the ECB warning Surrey beforehand not to permit the serial prankster entry, he evaded the attentions of the Oval security staff to get into the ground before running on to the pitch and delivering a ball from the Vauxhall End during the morning session. The Metropolitan Police confirmed: ‘A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident at the Oval Cricket Ground on Friday, September 3. He remains in custody at a south London police station.’ Jarvis entered the field shortly after noon wearing Indian Test match whites with Jarvo on the back of his shirt and reached the crease unobstructed before bowling a ball in the direction of Ollie Pope and colliding with Bairstow, the non-striking batsman. Bairstow reacted angrily and India captain Virat Kohli held discussions with both umpires as Jarvis was led from the field by security staff and handed over to the police. The alleged assault is understood to relate to a scuffle with security staff rather than with Bairstow. Jarvis was already banned from Lord’s and Headingley after entering the field of play during the second and third Tests, but this is the first time he has been arrested. The ECB will review their security measures and work closely with Lancashire to prevent a repeat at next week’s fifth Test, and are likely to extend his ban to cover all cricket grounds. ‘Any pitch invasion is unacceptable,’ an ECB spokesperson said. ‘The ECB and our host venues do not tolerate any behaviour which risks the safety of players, officials and staff. The ECB works closely with all our venues to enhance their security operation.’ Last week at Headingley, Jarvis invaded the pitch wearing pads, a helmet and a bat. Bairstow was again involved and appeared to be furious, kicking a batting glove towards Jarvis as he shouted at him before two members of security dragged him away.