Jofra Archer Back In Contention For The Third Test; Tests COVID-19 Negative Twice

England speedster Jofra Archer has remained on the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently. Following breaching the bio-security protocols imposed in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the England management removed him from the second Test against the West Indies. Nevertheless, he has made himself available for the finale that begins on Friday at the Old Trafford itself.

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A few hours before the start of the second Test, it emerged that Jofra Archer made an unauthorized trip to his home in Hove. The management resorted to extreme measures, placing him in isolation for five days and debarring Archer from partaking in the second Test.

In a disciplinary hearing, chaired by the director of English cricket, Ashley Giles, the panel fined him 15000 pounds and an official warning note. Additionally, he shall be allowed to join the squad only after testing negative for COVID-19 twice. And reportedly the Barbadian has.

Ahead of the decider, Jofra Archer is one of the six-pace bowlers alongside James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes in line to play.

The 25-year-old played in Southampton, taking only two wickets in West Indies’ four-wicket win. England bounced back in the second to win by 113 runs. The third and final Test commences on the 24th of July.

Jofra Archer is very aware of the consequences of his actions and very remorseful: Joe Root

England Test captain Joe Root was unhappy with what happened but conceded that since the 25-year old has gone through disciplinary actions, he is aware of the consequences and regrets what he did.

However, Root admitted that it’s time to focus on the game and Archer would be considered at par with other players for selection.

“It was disappointing from our side of things but as far as I’m concerned he’s been through a disciplinary meeting, he’s very aware of the consequences of his actions and very remorseful. As a side and mates we’ve been there for him. He’s aware he made a massive error but once the disciplinary has gone through it’s time for us to look at him being available,” the Yorkshire batsman stated as quoted by Hindustan Times.

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