Archer excluded from England squad after breaching bio-secure protocols

England Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday confirmed that pacer Jofra Archer has been excluded from the second Test against the West Indies, starting today 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.”