New Zealand vs England: Jofra Archer subjected to 'racial insults'
England fast bowler Jofra Archer said he was subjected to racist abuse by a spectator during Day 5 of the first Test against New Zealand. England went on to lose the match by an innings and 65 runs. Archer said he heard comments from "one guy" at the Bay Oval. Here are further details on the same.
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today: Archer
"A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team," said Archer on Twitter. "The crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy. The Barmy Army was good as usual also."
Archer opens up on racial insults
ECB to conduct an investigation, NZC promises increased vigilance
After Archer's comments, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it is conducting an investigation into the incident. The racist abuse happened when Archer walked off the field following his dismissal. Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said it would be apologizing to Archer but added it has yet to identify the perpetrator. NZC has also promised increased vigilance in the matter.
NZC will contact and apologize to Archer
"New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologizing to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui," it said in a statement.
'NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language'
"Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible," the statement added. "NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police."
In September, a fan complained about eight men abusing Archer
Back in September 2019, an English fan said "racist and homophobic abuse" forced him to leave the fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford. Ed Marsh told BBC Sport, he attented the Test with his parents and his sister. He said a group of eight men were singing a racist song about England's Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer.
What happened in the first Test between NZ and England?
Winning the toss, England elected to bat first, as they were bundled out for 353, courtesy Tim Southee's 4/88. As for New Zealand, they posted a humongous total of 615, following Watling's 205, along with Santner's 126. As the hosts led by 262, England were bowled out for a paltry 197, as Neil Wagner's 5/44 destroyed the batting order of the visitors.
