Jofra Archer out of the second Test, warned and fined for breaching bio-secure protocols

[Indiafan]

England’s Jofra Archer has been excluded from the #raisethebat second Test against the West Indies starting today (Thursday 16 July) at Emirates Old Trafford following a breach of the team’s bio-secure protocols.

Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two COVID-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.

The West Indies team have been made aware and are satisfied with the measures that have been imposed.

“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” said Archer.

“I have put, not only myself, but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and I want to sincerely apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble.

“It deeply pains me to be missing the Test match, especially with the series poised. I feel like I have let both teams down, and again I am sorry.”

 

[MenInG]

What lunacy from Archer - Could well cost them the series.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

A very stupid thing to do. Especially considering the stringent measures ECB has taken just to make this series possible. Could diminish England's chances of winning the series too with Anderson already out.

 

[James]

Really poor stuff from Archer.

Could cost him a lot.

 

[Robert]

This is just slack. He has let himself and the team down.

Ah well, an opportunity for Wood.

 

[Junaids]

This is just slack. He has let himself and the team down.

Ah well, an opportunity for Wood.

Apparently he’d already gone home to Geordieland - how? -and Curran is in. I thought it was a bubble!

So was it friends, UberEats or a girl?

 

[Ab Fan]

Broad
Woakes
Curran
Bess

Not so impressive attack. A lot of expectations on Broad's shoulder now who in my mind is one of the greatest fast bowler of all-time and I am sure he will deliver.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

apparently he’d already gone home to geordieland - how? -and curran is in. I thought it was a bubble!

so was it friends, ubereats or a girl?

 

[sindhiboy]

Lol Archer has a Rockstar personality, does whatever he wants.

It seems Ollie Robinson will make his debut as both Anderson and wood are rested.

 

[Indiafan]

Wouldn't the protocol also be to isolate the players he has come in contact with after his breach? Anyone can be infected

Also now, all team management need to keep their players on a short leash. Imagine losing out important players just before the match

 

[sindhiboy]

Broad
Woakes
Curran
Bess

Not so impressive attack. A lot of expectations on Broad's shoulder now who in my mind is one of the greatest fast bowler of all-time and I am sure he will deliver.

Huge responsibility for broad, all the seamers are dobblers.
As this is a pacy wicket, the team may consider not playing bess

 

[gazza619]

The blessing in disguise experts would say its a blessing in disguise and that England can substitute Archer with a proper swing bowler..

Poor by Archer

 

[Bhaijaan]

In a civilized world of which i am a part of, this is unacceptable.

Bio-secure protocol is most important thing in 2020.

Shame on Jofra.

 

[HitWicket]

Apparently he’d already gone home to Geordieland - how? -and Curran is in. I thought it was a bubble!

So was it friends, UberEats or a girl?

Sounds like he stopped at a service station.

 

[MenInG]

Sounds like he stopped at a service station.

Why will he just do 5 days?

He could have touched and come in contact with Lord knows what - should be a 14 day quarantine period as is the case for visitors to the country etc

 

[MenInG]

Wouldn't the protocol also be to isolate the players he has come in contact with after his breach? Anyone can be infected

Also now, all team management need to keep their players on a short leash. Imagine losing out important players just before the match

Good point also.

 

[HitWicket]

Why will he just do 5 days?

He could have touched and come in contact with Lord knows what - should be a 14 day quarantine period as is the case for visitors to the country etc

People entering the country are not tested multiple times within/at the end of that period.

 

[Forum363]

The moody tweets in the middle of the test match and now this. It seems his attitude and ego have inflated to match the hype around him.

At least this will allow him a chance to rest until the third test. I’m sure a bowler of his pace needs more time otherwise his workload would be blamed if he bowls poorly again.

 

[TeymurBlake]

God poor stuff from Jofra Archer. After putting in all the hard yards in to make it into the Intl team, he goes and does this. Disappointing.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Lets goooo , WINDIES FOR THE WIN.

 

[Technics 1210]

Amazing how things turn out. Broad was out, now he's back in with a chance to prove himself.

As for Archer, the hype is starting to wear off - what a silly thing to do.

 

[Indiafan]

Good point also.

This is from BBC

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/53419676

It is thought the breach occurred in between moving from Southampton, where England lost the first Test on Sunday, to Emirates Old Trafford, the venue for the second.

However, it only came to light late on Wednesday night.

He 100% came in contact with other players and officials during these 2-3 days

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

What lunacy from Archer - Could well cost them the series.

the only bowler i fear is wokes
not only as a bowler even his batting is going to be dangerous for Pakistan .
i can sense his fifer already

 

[MenInG]

Sources close to the England camp have confirmed that Jofra Archer went home to his flat in Hove en route to Manchester, thus breaking team protocol

 

[Junaids]

People entering the country are not tested multiple times within/at the end of that period.

Only because the UK has low standards.

In Australia and New Zealand it is 14 days of Quarantine PLUS a swab on Day 3 and Day 11.

 

[MenInG]

ECB confirms Jofra Archer went home to his flat in Hove en route to Manchester – a clear breach of the bio-secure protocols

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Its a very minor breach but given the current circumstances unfortunately something so minor can have major knock-on effects.

I think England have dealt with this well but a fine and suspension from the remainder of the series will be a suitable punishment.

Arguably this sort of behaviour is worse than Hales smoking Cannabis and he hasnt been back in the side for a while.

I really like Jofra and I wouldn't want an overly severe punishment but his behaviour could put lives at stake and its incredibly disrespectful to the Windies and Pakistani players who are going months without family contact just to play cricket.

 

[Rana]

Lol I thought it was just the PCB who were incompetent in this whole scenario.

 

[HitWicket]

Only because the UK has low standards.

In Australia and New Zealand it is 14 days of Quarantine PLUS a swab on Day 3 and Day 11.

To start with it's not really relevant and secondly it's another quarantine/isolation regulation in Aus/NZ that you've made up.

 

[therealAB]

what an idiot. The biggest issue is that it will give [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] another thing to call 'unlucky' when the Windies win

 

[Rana]

what an idiot. The biggest issue is that it will give [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] another thing to call 'unlucky' when the Windies win

Lol he has a bigger issue at the moment trying to justify this whilst he has been on PCB’s case for even the slightest of mishaps

 

[Mamoon]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

Archer is not the best fast bowler in tests . That has got to be Cummins.

 

[Titan24]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her : drop the attitude or leave <br>Me : <a href="https://t.co/MlVKBoXzmY">pic.twitter.com/MlVKBoXzmY</a></p>— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/1283366949926449153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[angrypathan]

Archer is not the best fast bowler in tests . That has got to be Cummins.

He's a quality bowler but not the best in any format. Both Cummins and Holder are comfortably better in Tests, and Boult, Bumrah, and Starc are all better in LOIs.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To go home is too much to ask for ?</p>— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/607315904368656386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chose the wrong night to come home</p>— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/919420125589245955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Kroll]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her : drop the attitude or leave <br>Me : <a href="https://t.co/MlVKBoXzmY">pic.twitter.com/MlVKBoXzmY</a></p>— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/1283366949926449153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Archer is not the best fast bowler in tests . That has got to be Cummins.

He's a quality bowler but not the best in any format. Both Cummins and Holder are comfortably better in Tests, and Boult, Bumrah, and Starc are all better in LOIs.

Dude's the best in swag though.

 

[shamaan]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

Shaheen says otherwise

 

[Rana]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

What if this was Naseem Shah and PCB did the same thing?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He's a quality bowler but not the best in any format. Both Cummins and Holder are comfortably better in Tests, and Boult, Bumrah, and Starc are all better in LOIs.

There's an argument at least for Archer being one of the best in ODIs. In tests he hasn't done anything significant yet. Comfortably behind a number of bowlers

 

[sweep_shot]

Archer doesn't seem very disciplined. I feel he may get thrown out of team at some point (just like Hales).

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

Such a shame that worlds best bowler has just played 8 Test and 14 ODI's.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

The tone in this thread and the blame would have been entirely entirely different if this was a Pakistani player under the PCB's watch.

 

[Savak]

What did he do exactly? Break curfew for 5 minutes? Ridiculous over reaction, living a 24/7 Quarantined life is impossible, everyone will slip up for 5-10 minutes. People have to be allowed to quarantine while living some semblance of a normal life otherwise people will go bonkers

 

[Rana]

The tone in this thread and the blame would have been entirely entirely different if this was a Pakistani player under the PCB's watch.

Anti PCB propaganda minister has commended ECB’s way of dealing with it.

 

[HitWicket]

What did he do exactly? Break curfew for 5 minutes? Ridiculous over reaction, living a 24/7 Quarantined life is impossible, everyone will slip up for 5-10 minutes. People have to be allowed to quarantine while living some semblance of a normal life otherwise people will go bonkers

He was explicitly told where he was allowed to stop between the 2 grounds and then made a 100 mile detour in the wrong direction to go home. That's not a 5-10 minute slip, that's a conscious decision to endanger many people as well as the cricketing summer.

 

[Saj]

Strange that the English squad aren't travelling together on a coach and are instead travelling in their own cars.

 

[MenInG]

Atherton labels Archer''s protocol breach "very foolish"

Manchester, Jul 16 (PTI) Former captain Michael Atherton has termed Jofra Archer''s bio-secure bubble breach "very foolish" as his irresponsible act has thrown the team''s plans into disarray ahead of second Test against the West Indies starting on Thursday.
Archer was on Thursday dropped from the second Test against the West Indies for breaking the team''s bio-secure protocol and will now undergo two COVID-19 tests during a five-day isolation period.

Archer apologised for the lapse, which wasn''t specified in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement but ''BBC Test Match Special'' said that the speedster had visited his home in Brighton after the first Test.

"It''s very foolish for a number of reasons. One, it cost him a place in the team. Secondly it''s thrown England''s plans into disarray, a vital Test match that they must win to try and win this series," Atherton said on the Sky Sports Cricket broadcast.

"And thirdly it''s put at risk all the work that ECB have done. These six Test matches, three against West Indies, three against Pakistan, they''ve had to do a tremendous amount of work to get these games on."

The ongoing series against the West Indies and the following duel against Pakistan next month are being played amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Test against the Caribbean side in Southampton passed off without any incident.

Atherton said the players of both the sides involved in the series, organised amid the COVID crisis, can''t afford to break rules as there is plenty of money at stake.

England are currently trailing the three-match series against West Indies 1-0 after losing the first Test by four wickets at the Ageas Bowl.

"Although the protocols might seem very severe, they''ve had to put those in place to get government approval for these games to happen," said the 52-year-old Atherton.

"And as you know, from broadcast purposes, each of these games are worth about 20 million pound to the ECB, the international summer as a whole about 180 million pound, that''s money for the game. So they can''t afford the players to break protocols," he added.

Archer had already apologised for the lapse and Atherton said the matter should be laid to rest after the second Test, which started here on Thursday.

"He''s been foolish, he''s apologised profusely, and that will be the end of it," the former right-handed opener said.

"He should come back into the side, but he''s been foolish and it''s cost him his place here.

https://www.outlookindia.com/newssc...d-to-celebrate-harela-festival/1896601?scroll

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Oh Archar! please don't become a Shoaib Akhtar!

TBH, you can expect something like this from one of our youngstas.

 

[gazza619]

It is indeed a big blow to lose the best fast bowler in the world and that too for something completely avoidable.

Nevertheless, credit to ECB for handling it professionally.

Wow i mean simply wow. A guy who has played 8 test matches and that in bowling friendly conditions, 33 wickets at an average of 28 is the best in the world? you surely have some weird standards! Wait till he plays on flat roads, his career average would not be less than 32-33.

 

[JattMaula]

You can't expect lot of intelligence from professional sportsman but this is beyond stupid. WI squad quarantined for month for this lunacy?

 

[Forum363]

The more I think about this, the more ridiculous it is.

Archer knew full well that going home for an hour would be breaching the restrictions and yet did it anyway. Forget the money at stake here, he knows that two international teams with large squads have travelled all the way across the world, isolated themselves for weeks without seeing their family or friends, and were put in danger by Archer’s action.

The fact that he’s getting away with this, without ANY punishment or penalty whatsoever is ridiculous. And no, being dropped from this test match is not a punishment - it’s a Covid quarantine requirement.

The fact that he’s put so many peoples lives at risk, but been brushed under the carpet by the ECB is ridiculous. Already by the toss - barely any time since the news had broken - Root was saying they’ve spoken about it enough and he’s drawing a line under it.

The double standards of the posters here who were crying about the Pakistan players training, when they were not part of any tour and literally still at home - and swearing at the PCB for their lack of professionalism, but are now praising the ECB or ignoring it outright, shows how totally biased and silly their views are now.

 

[Forum363]

Strange that the English squad aren't travelling together on a coach and are instead travelling in their own cars.

The touring players have been put under so much scrutiny, away from family and friends and unable to leave, but the England players seem to have their own rules.

 

[Saj]

The touring players have been put under so much scrutiny, away from family and friends and unable to leave, but the England players seem to have their own rules.

During the match they stay under the same conditions as West Indies, but travel etc you are right, it's different rules.

 

[James]

He should be excluded from the next match as well in my opinion. It needs to be clearly spelled out to him that this was a truly unacceptable and abysmal act.

 

[Thomaskutty]

Great news for the WI.
Them poms have been cocky and constantly undermined their carribean opponents. They deserve a home series loss and whitewash now, their first in 6 years.

 

[MenInG]

Jofra Archer's bio-secure breach could have been "a disaster" for English cricket costing "tens of millions of pounds", according to Ashley Giles.

England seamer Archer went home to Brighton between the first and second #rasiethebat Tests against West Indies, contravening strict guidelines.

Giles, managing director of men's cricket at the ECB, suggested the pace bowler had risked the entire summer schedule.

"This could have been a disaster. The ripple effect this could have had through the whole summer could have cost us tens of millions of pounds," said Giles, with Archer now amid a mandatory five-day self-isolation at the team hotel at Emirates Old Trafford.

"The potential knock-on effect I don't think he could have understood. He is a young man and young men make mistakes. He has to learn from them. There will be a disciplinary process to go through.

"With the help of government and the help of the opposition, in this case the West Indies, the series was set up with these protocols and we have to abide by them. Everyone has to abide by them. If you know what the protocol says and what's expected of you it's a simple choice."

England head coach Chris Silverwood says it is now important that Archer, who has apologised for his indiscretion, is given support by the team.

"He went home and that does breach the protocols of what we have set up here. Obviously the integrity of this bio-safe environment is very important," Silverwood told Sky Sports.

"He's made a mistake, he's a young man and he's made a bad judgement call. He knows he has done that and we will support him the best we can.

Michael Atherton says Archer's bio-secure breach put the hard work the ECB has done to stage Test matches this summer at risk
"He's got five days stuck in a hotel room, so we've got to make sure he's alright from a well-being point of view, that we look after him."

Giles added: "Show me someone who has never made a mistake and I'll show you a liar. I don't think trust is something that is lost or gained over one incident. Jof will learn from it. We will support him and move on.

"He is fine young man, incredibly polite, works hard and is a great asset to this team. On this occasion he got it wrong.

"There has to be consequence for every action and there will be a process we go through. But that balance with support is equally important."

Speaking on The Cricket Debate, former West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose says Archer now faces a "challenge" to be ready for the third Test, which is also at Emirates Old Trafford, from July 24.

"It is always going to be tough because as a bowler you do need to spend some time in the nets to get yourself into some kind of shape for the Test match to come," Ambrose said.

"With Archer not able to do anything for the next five days or so and then only a couple of days between the second and third Tests, it will be a challenge for him.

"For him to break the protocol was a bad move, not a very smart move. We all make mistakes and I'm sure it won't happen to him again."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...lions-of-pounds-with-breach-says-ashley-giles

 

[Rana]

Looks like he may not be picked for the rest of the summer.

 

[Usman]

I don't understand how this has even been possible. I get the fact that the players don't travel in a coach because one infected player could infect the rest. However, how can you just let the players travel completely without tracking from one stadium to another?

This only became apparent because Archer himself mentioned it in passing to ECB staff. That means it's possible other players have made unscheduled stops in their journeys too but not told anyone about it.

How, in a supposed "bio secure" environment is that even possible???

 

[Forum363]

Some of the quotes in the article are disgusting. ‘Oh he put millions of pounds and lots of people at risk, but he’s a young man. He’s made a mistake but he’s a young man.’ He’s 24, not some naive young teenager who didn’t realise what he was doing.

 

[Abdullah]

Looks like he may not be picked for the rest of the summer.

That would be amazing!!

 

[Forum363]

I don't understand how this has even been possible. I get the fact that the players don't travel in a coach because one infected player could infect the rest. However, how can you just let the players travel completely without tracking from one stadium to another?

This only became apparent because Archer himself mentioned it in passing to ECB staff. That means it's possible other players have made unscheduled stops in their journeys too but not told anyone about it.

How, in a supposed "bio secure" environment is that even possible???

Exactly. And are players just allowed to stop for fuel at random service stations? What about toilet breaks? What if their car breaks down?

This incident has brought the whole process into the spotlight and quite frankly, the ECB need to be held accountable for this shambolic arrangement. As the host nation, who are benefitting the most from the huge gesture from the West Indies and Pak, they have shown utter disregard for any protocol.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], the fact that you aren’t calling the ECB out for this shows just how biased you are.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I don't understand how this has even been possible. I get the fact that the players don't travel in a coach because one infected player could infect the rest. However, how can you just let the players travel completely without tracking from one stadium to another?

This only became apparent because Archer himself mentioned it in passing to ECB staff. That means it's possible other players have made unscheduled stops in their journeys too but not told anyone about it.

How, in a supposed "bio secure" environment is that even possible???

Its more than possible, pretty much guaranteed some other players have popped into shops, relatives , friends etc.

There is no such things as a bio secure enviorment unless you are locked up in a room.

ECB and others such as Holding are taking this way out of context. If Archer test negative, dont see the issue.

 

[Rana]

That would be amazing!!

Not really, I don’t think he is as much of a threat to Pakistani batsmen the way Broad or Anderson may be. Also Chris Woakes

 

[KingKhanWC]

Exactly. And are players just allowed to stop for fuel at random service stations? What about toilet breaks? What if their car breaks down?

This incident has brought the whole process into the spotlight and quite frankly, the ECB need to be held accountable for this shambolic arrangement. As the host nation, who are benefitting the most from the huge gesture from the West Indies and Pak, they have shown utter disregard for any protocol.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], the fact that you aren’t calling the ECB out for this shows just how biased you are.

PCB should demand a new protocol. Pakistan players wont be allowed to wonder off on their own.

In football, all players meet up in a hotel and arrive at the stadium together, this was even before the pandemic. ECB have tried to be too proffesional and are acting like the WHO on steroids.

What people are failing to accept, hardly anyone cares in the UK now. Life is pretty much back to normal apart from attending events with a large amout of people present.

 

[Rana]

PCB should demand a new protocol. Pakistan players wont be allowed to wonder off on their own.

In football, all players meet up in a hotel and arrive at the stadium together, this was even before the pandemic. ECB have tried to be too proffesional and are acting like the WHO on steroids.

What people are failing to accept, hardly anyone cares in the UK now. Life is pretty much back to normal apart from attending events with a large amout of people present.

ECB have been a joke really. 6-7 a side football at grassroots level is going on maybe a week after ECB got the green light to start recreational cricket. How they have presented their sport in an unnecessarily cautious manner, whereas a sport like football took one extra week to restart just goes to show how useless they have been throughout the pandemic.

International cricketers have 1 Million times more restrictions compared to the average village cricketer!

Jokes organisation, the full international and domestic season could have gone ahead at its scheduled time had they actually been a professional body!

 

[Forum363]

ECB have been a joke really. 6-7 a side football at grassroots level is going on maybe a week after ECB got the green light to start recreational cricket. How they have presented their sport in an unnecessarily cautious manner, whereas a sport like football took one extra week to restart just goes to show how useless they have been throughout the pandemic.

International cricketers have 1 Million times more restrictions compared to the average village cricketer!

Jokes organisation, the full international and domestic season could have gone ahead at its scheduled time had they actually been a professional body!

Well be that as it may, instead of comparing cricket with football, compare it with cricket. However they’ve done it, by being overly cautious, they’ve managed to arrange the first couple of tours months before anyone else is ready, despite having among the highest cases in the world. And they stand to make/ save millions because of it.

The issue is, when they’ve invited teams and have now shown to have holes in their plan regarding their own players.

 

[Mamoon]

Exactly. And are players just allowed to stop for fuel at random service stations? What about toilet breaks? What if their car breaks down?

This incident has brought the whole process into the spotlight and quite frankly, the ECB need to be held accountable for this shambolic arrangement. As the host nation, who are benefitting the most from the huge gesture from the West Indies and Pak, they have shown utter disregard for any protocol.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], the fact that you aren’t calling the ECB out for this shows just how biased you are.

What huge gesture? Pakistan and West Indies did not put their hands up and volunteer to tour England during the pandemic - the fixtures were decided in 2018 and they are only following the schedule.

It would have been a ‘huge gesture’ if they were not scheduled to tour this summer and would have agreed to do so with the scheduled teams backing out, but that is obviously not the case.

England are benefiting from these series but so are Pakistan and West Indies. Two struggling cricket nations with weak boards that do not get much cricket against the big 3.

Refusing to tour would have been costly for both PCB and WICB, so they are also looking for themselves and evaluating the repercussions of refusing to tour.

When you do something for someone that benefits not only that someone but also you, it is not called a gesture let alone a huge one; it is called a mutually beneficial arrangement, and that is what it is.

This ‘huge gesture’ angle has been forced down our throats by some of our fans and ex-players and they think ECB is in a moral straight-jacket to return the favor and tour Pakistan but that is not what is happening or what should happen.

ECB will tour Pakistan when it deems the latter to be safe enough, and not because we are forcefully trying to make a mutually beneficial arrangement look like a huge favor.

It would have been a huge favor if Pakistan or West Indies were touring a small team with a weak board such as Sri Lanka of Zimbabwe during the pandemic. However, a tour to a big 3 country is never a favor on PCB or WICB’s part.

 

[Rana]

What huge gesture? Pakistan and West Indies did not put their hands up and volunteer to tour England during the pandemic - the fixtures were decided in 2018 and they are only following the schedule.

It would have been a ‘huge gesture’ if they were not scheduled to tour this summer and would have agreed to do so with the scheduled teams backing out, but that is obviously not the case.

England are benefiting from these series but so are Pakistan and West Indies. Two struggling cricket nations with weak boards that do not get much cricket against the big 3.

Refusing to tour would have been costly for both PCB and WICB, so they are also looking for themselves and evaluating the repercussions of refusing to tour.

When you do something for someone that benefits not only that someone but also you, it is not called a gesture let alone a huge one; it is called a mutually beneficial arrangement, and that is what it is.

This ‘huge gesture’ angle has been forced down our throats by some of our fans and ex-players and they think ECB is in a moral straight-jacket to return the favor and tour Pakistan but that is not what is happening or what should happen.

ECB will tour Pakistan when it deems the latter to be safe enough, and not because we are forcefully trying to make a mutually beneficial arrangement look like a huge favor.

It would have been a huge favor if Pakistan or West Indies were touring a small team with a weak board such as Sri Lanka of Zimbabwe during the pandemic. However, a tour to a big 3 country is never a favor on PCB or WICB’s part.

Wow

So let’s casually ignore the ECB’s £350m deal with Sky to broadcast this series being flushed down the toilet had these two countries decided to stay home?

 

[Mamoon]

Wow

So let’s casually ignore the ECB’s £350m deal with Sky to broadcast this series being flushed down the toilet had these two countries decided to stay home?

Read my post again.

I called it a mutually beneficial arrangement, which means that ECB, PCB and WICB all gain something. Hence, there is no huge gesture on PCB and WICB’s part.

It would have been a huge gesture if PCB and WICB gained nothing from this tour or if refusing to come wouldn’t have had any long-term consequences.

 

[MenInG]

Michael Holding has questioned the bio-secure protocols put in place by the England and Wales Cricket Board for England and West Indies to tackle the COVID-19 threat during the ongoing Test series.

Jofra Archer was axed from the second Test on Thursday after breaking the team protocol to visit his home in Brighton after the first Test. He will now undergo two COVID-19 tests during a five-day isolation period.

“I just want to ask a few questions of the ECB and these protocols though. I can understand protocols have to be put in place but I would think they should be a little bit more logical,” the former West Indies pacer said on Sky Sports Cricket during the opening day of the second Test.

“Why aren’t the England team travelling on a bus? If they have already passed their COVID tests, everyone is together, they have six Test matches, they are moving from one venue to the other,” he added.

Archer apologised for the lapse and acknowledged the enormity of his indiscretion at a sensitive time.

“Why aren’t they all just in a bus travelling to the next venue? Why are they allowed to be going in cars? What’s the purpose of that? People need to just think a bit,” said Holding.

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cric...-west-indies-jofra-archer/article32110710.ece

 

[HitWicket]

I don't understand how this has even been possible. I get the fact that the players don't travel in a coach because one infected player could infect the rest. However, how can you just let the players travel completely without tracking from one stadium to another?

This only became apparent because Archer himself mentioned it in passing to ECB staff. That means it's possible other players have made unscheduled stops in their journeys too but not told anyone about it.

How, in a supposed "bio secure" environment is that even possible???

The players have GPS trackers in their passes. Presumably there was no need to check them until Archer violated the rules.

Exactly. And are players just allowed to stop for fuel at random service stations? What about toilet breaks? What if their car breaks down?

This incident has brought the whole process into the spotlight and quite frankly, the ECB need to be held accountable for this shambolic arrangement. As the host nation, who are benefitting the most from the huge gesture from the West Indies and Pak, they have shown utter disregard for any protocol.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION], the fact that you aren’t calling the ECB out for this shows just how biased you are.

It's been said the players have a preestablished list of places they can stop. Presumably petrol stations with pay at the pump and it was mentioned before the series that a county ground (probably have to be Edgbaston in this case) would be setup as food/toilet breaks if needed. The ECB protocol is fine, it's the fact that Archer hasn't followed it that's not.

 

[Forum363]

What huge gesture? Pakistan and West Indies did not put their hands up and volunteer to tour England during the pandemic - the fixtures were decided in 2018 and they are only following the schedule.

It would have been a ‘huge gesture’ if they were not scheduled to tour this summer and would have agreed to do so with the scheduled teams backing out, but that is obviously not the case.

England are benefiting from these series but so are Pakistan and West Indies. Two struggling cricket nations with weak boards that do not get much cricket against the big 3.

Refusing to tour would have been costly for both PCB and WICB, so they are also looking for themselves and evaluating the repercussions of refusing to tour.

When you do something for someone that benefits not only that someone but also you, it is not called a gesture let alone a huge one; it is called a mutually beneficial arrangement, and that is what it is.

This ‘huge gesture’ angle has been forced down our throats by some of our fans and ex-players and they think ECB is in a moral straight-jacket to return the favor and tour Pakistan but that is not what is happening or what should happen.

ECB will tour Pakistan when it deems the latter to be safe enough, and not because we are forcefully trying to make a mutually beneficial arrangement look like a huge favor.

It would have been a huge favor if Pakistan or West Indies were touring a small team with a weak board such as Sri Lanka of Zimbabwe during the pandemic. However, a tour to a big 3 country is never a favor on PCB or WICB’s part.

Ofcourse this benefits PCB and Windies, but there is no question is benefits England a lot more.

Anyway, the very fact that this was the only point of my post you replied to re-iterates my point about your bias. Fair enough, the enormity or not of the gesture can be debated but you remain quiet on the complete lack of professionalism here, letting their player casually drive home and also stop for fuel while supposedly part of a bio-secure bubble. It’s an insult to the precautions taken by the touring teams.

 

[Forum363]

The players have GPS trackers in their passes. Presumably there was no need to check them until Archer violated the rules.



It's been said the players have a preestablished list of places they can stop. Presumably petrol stations with pay at the pump and it was mentioned before the series that a county ground (probably have to be Edgbaston in this case) would be setup as food/toilet breaks if needed. The ECB protocol is fine, it's the fact that Archer hasn't followed it that's not.

That is just ridiculous. Letting players drive around the country in their own cars is not ‘fine’ it’s just asking for trouble. Complete double standards here.

 

[HitWicket]

That is just ridiculous. Letting players drive around the country in their own cars is not ‘fine’ it’s just asking for trouble. Complete double standards here.

It's completely fine with no real added risk assuming they can be trusted to follow the regulations set out for them. The players aren't allowed to 'casually drive home'.

 

[Forum363]

So apparently Jofra mentioned it in passing to a support staff member who reported him, and it escalated from there.

This is a serious incident now, and while I accept mistakes happen and feel for Archer - there has to be some serious repercussions to this. ECB are looking into this from a disciplinary process lends. Let’s see if they act. The sensible thing would be to remove him from the squad this summer. They would have done it if it was any other player.

I personally would rather he played.

 

[Forum363]

It's completely fine with no real added risk assuming they can be trusted to follow the regulations set out for them. The players aren't allowed to 'casually drive home'.

Well clearly the players can’t all be trusted to follow the regulations. The fact that one player’s sudden whims and desire are so easily able to put tens of millions of pounds and lives at risk shows there’s an issue with the process here.

And from reports - the only way this was discovered was when Archer mentioned it in passing to a support staff member.

Shambolic from the ECB by any standard.

 

[Hasan123]

Poor stuff from Archer. He was getting some form . Missing a game means he will have to restart whenever he comes back.

 

[HitWicket]

Well clearly the players can’t all be trusted to follow the regulations. The fact that one player’s sudden whims and desire are so easily able to put tens of millions of pounds and lives at risk shows there’s an issue with the process here.

And from reports - the only way this was discovered was when Archer mentioned it in passing to a support staff member.

Shambolic from the ECB by any standard.

Any players whims can risk the series. You've got to make your procedures on the assumption that the players can be trusted and the fault is on the players if they don't follow them despite being laid out clearly to them.

 

[Savak]

England vs West Indies: Need to Look After Jofra Archer During Isolation: Michael Vaughan

Vaughan, who has captained England in 51 Tests, said: "It is very difficult to say how Joe Root should do it. Personally, I would be speaking to Archer on a day-to-day basis to make sure he is all right.

PTI |July 17, 2020, 6:43 PM IST

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan is doubtful if pacer Jofra Archer will feature any further in the West Indies series after he "selfishly" breached the bio-secure bubble but insisted that the "modern and unique" character must be looked after during his isolation period.

The 25-year-old was axed from the ongoing second Test against the West Indies after he breached the team's bio-secure protocol by going home to Brighton post the series opener.

"The fact that he was willing to go home and potentially threaten the series by bringing COVID-19 back into the bubble will mean that he is on the naughty step for a while, I am afraid," Vaughan wrote in 'The Telegraph'.

"Realistically, it would be hard for him to play next week. I do not think they can bring him back in for the third test."

However, the former skipper said the team must forgive Archer for his mistake and be supportive while he self isolates for five days in the hotel and undergoes two COVID-19 tests.

"We have also got to understand that he is a young kid and this is really the first mistake he has made. What is important is that he learns, but also that he gets a little bit of support over the next five days - he is going to be locked in his room, no-one can see him. He needs people on the phone supporting him," Vaughan wrote.

Also Read: Jofra Archer Bio-Secure Breach: Holding Questions ECB Protocol, Atherton Slams Archer's 'Foolishness'

"You do not want to leave a young player, who has made a mistake, like that, on his own to have all the thoughts and gather a lot of negativity. He is online, he will have seen a lot of the responses to what he has done."

Vaughan, who has captained England in 51 Tests, said: "It is very difficult to say how Joe Root should do it. Personally, I would be speaking to Archer on a day-to-day basis to make sure he is all right.

"We should not throw Archer under the bus. He will be back. He probably needs more awareness of what he is doing outside the game, but I do not want him to lose a character that is very modern, very unique."

The former batsman, who has scored 5719 runs in 82 Tests for England, believes Archer will have to earn the trust of the dressing room after his recent antics.

"The selfish nature of what Jofra Archer did means he has got to earn the trust of the dressing room once again ... All the players and coaching staff would have loved the opportunity to just nip home. Archer has broken the team discipline and the culture, so England had no option but to leave him out," he wrote.

Vaughan also highlighted the sacrifices made by the West Indies team to play the three-match Test series, which marked the resumption of international cricket after coronavirus hiatus.

"There is a trust that you buy into as a team when you get asked not to go home and not to see your families you only have to look at the sacrifices the West Indies players have made to allow this series to go ahead.

"They came here on 8 June and have been locked in at cricket grounds and cannot go out to see anybody."

Link: https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/...during-isolation-michael-vaughan-2721113.html

Comments: Poor old baby Jofra. Someone should stroke him nicely to sleep as well. First it was his workload is too much even though he has not even had the workload of Wahab in the UAE and now he is struggling to cope with the pandemic. And this guy wants to claim to be the best fast bowler in the world? Please