Inquiry launched after Archer says he was racially abused
Bowler alleges fan insult as England lose first Test New Zealand officials say sorry and investigate
New Zealand Cricket has apologised to Jofra Archer and launched an investigation after the fast bowler claimed he was racially abused on the final day of England’s first-test defeat. Archer alleged that he was subjected to “racial insults” as he walked off the field after being dismissed for 30 in England’s second innings.
The 24-year-old, who was racially abused by a group of Australian fans during the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford last summer, spoke to security at the ground and authorities are reviewing CCTV footage to try to identify the perpetrator. Security will be increased at the second Test in Hamilton, which starts on Thursday, as an embarrassed NZC reacts to the incident.
“Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be making further inquiries in an endeavour to identify the man responsible,” NZC said in a statement. “NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments to police. It will contact Mr Archer to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance when the teams next meet.”
The incident was only brought to public attention when tweeted about it around three hours after New Zealand completed their victory by an innings and 65 runs. “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team,” he wrote. “The crowd has been amazing except for that one guy.”
It in understood that the spectator who made the alleged racist comment later contacted Archer on Instagram with a private message.
Ashley Giles, the England team director who is in New Zealand, reiterated to a press conference that
“there is no place for racism in any game” – and said that, as an indication of the two boards working together, the CEO of NZC, David White, would meet the England team bus when it arrived in Hamilton for the second Test. Giles said the team would rally around Archer, adding: “It is a serious incident. It is a young man making his way in the game and we don’t need that sort of thing”. The England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement supporting Archer, and will assist its hosts in the inquiry. “Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident, there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to report such behaviour and feel safe in doing so,” an ECB statement read.
This was a difficult first Test for new England coach Chris Silverwood, as his side’s familiar batting weaknesses were exposed and the bowlers could find no penetration with the Kookaburra ball. Archer bowled 42 overs in the New Zealand innings, the heaviest workload of his career, and while Joe Root praised him for his endeavour, he urged him to bowl quicker after taking one for 107.
“We are very aware that he’s still very much at the start of his international career,” the England captain said. “He’s burst on to the international scene and he’s done wonderful things for England and he’ll do so many more wonderful things. But he’s got a Kookaburra ball, which he’s not bowled with before, he’s never been to this part of the world and you have to perform in a certain way out here.
“He’s got all the attributes that can be very successful here and he’s got to learn that sometimes you’ve got to make sure every spell counts. You have got to run in and use that extra pace to your advantage. In many ways, I can’t fault his effort. Bowling the amount he has done throughout this innings shows that he cares, but I think there are certain spells where he can just unleash a little bit more. That will come with experience and time.”
Root defended his decision to overlook Archer for the second new ball, preferring Sam Curran and Stuart Broad.
“I don’t think sometimes he realises how good he is and what he can do, especially when the wicket does look flat,” Root said. “Hopefully, he’ll be able to learn from an experience like this one. In many ways, I can see it motivating him and making him a better player.
“I actually thought that Sam was going to get [Colin] de Grandhomme out at any minute. We’ve got Broady at the other end building pressure and it felt like we were going to make a breakthrough. That felt extremely threatening.”
Two other England fast bowlers – James Anderson and Mark Wood – will next week step up their attempts to be fit for the tour to South Africa. They will begin a two-week bowling camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa, alongside Olly Stone, Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson led by Lancashire coach Glen Chapple and Durham’s Neil Killeen.
Jonny Bairstow will also be in Potchefstroom, working with batting coach Jonathan Trott, as he looks to force his way back into England’s Test side.