Archer to be tested for Covid-19 again before joining England training

Jofra Archer will join England’s behind-closed-doors training camp today, if he records a second negative test for Covid-19, after a member of his household felt unwell over the weekend.

England’s players and management team arrived in Southampton on Tuesday afternoon to prepare for the first Test against the West Indies, which starts on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl.

The 25-year-old Archer, and members of his household, already tested negative for coronavirus but the bowler faces another examination before being given the all-clear to resume practice with team-mates.

“England and Sussex bowler Jofra Archer will join England’s behindclosed-doors training camp today after a member of his household felt unwell over the weekend,” read an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.

“Archer, and members of his household, have tested negative for COVID-19. He will have a second test and if he tests negative, he will join up with the training group.”

Director of cricket Ashley Giles admits it could be difficult to maintain the intensity of Test matches when playing behind closed doors.

England have entered their “bubble” ahead of the three-match series against the West Indies.

That match will also be the first international Test staged since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic but will be played without a crowd and Giles is aware that will be a challenge for both teams.

“It will be very difficult to replicate that same intensity,” he said. “Even going into a Test when there’s no crowds that’s going to be very challenging. But it’s the same for both sides.

“It’s the circumstances we face and, as we mentioned before, there’s a bigger picture than perfect scenarios and being perfectly prepared. It’s very important to everyone that we get back to playing Test cricket. But I also think the players are keen as mustard to get on with it now.

“There’s definitely been some nervousness about the situation but they’re cricketers and they’re dying to get out and play some cricket.

“I’m sure when it comes down to it that when someone is trying to knock your head off at 85-90 mph you’ll find a way to get your intensity up pretty quickly from experience.”