Criticise me if I'm bowling badly but don't racially abuse me: Jofra Archer

England succumbed to the wrath of the Kiwi bowling attack comprising Neil Wagner (5/44) and Mitchell Santner (3/53) as the visitors bundled out for a mere 197 on the final day of the first Test. New Zealand clinched the victory by an innings and 65 runs while gaining a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

However, one incident that grabbed the headlines was England pacer Jofra Archer’s racial abuse. The Barbadian-born speedster alleged that he was subjected to “racial insults” while batting (30 off 50 balls) on the fifth day in Mount Maunganui. Archer took to Twitter where he stated, “A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team, the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy, @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also”

The England and New Zealand cricket boards are investigating the incident and Archer received an apology from New Zealand Cricket chief David White. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has also stated his apologies to the bowler.

Archer found it ‘a bit disturbing’ to hear racial insults coming from one person in the crowd while he was batting. However, the 24-year-old has now stated that he is over it and is looking forward to playing in the next Test against the Kiwis.

“The first thing I want to say about what happened towards the end of the test at Mount Maunganui is that I’m over it,” Archer wrote in a column as quoted by Daily Mail.

“I’ve left what happened at the ground and I’ve moved on. I should also say it was just one person who was shouting stuff. But I found the incident a real shame,” he added.

Jofra Archer represented West Indies at the Under-19 level

The speedster had represented West Indies at Under-19 level before breaking into the England side in the Ashes 2019. With an impeccable pace and lethal bouncers, Archer garnered much attention in England’s futile efforts for the Urn. After fast-tracked into the England squad this year, Archer has said that was fine with opposing fans having a go at him but that there was no room racism in any walk of life.

“If someone wants to shout at me and tell me I’m bowling badly, that’s fine. I may not agree but it’s fine. It’s part of the experience of being a touring cricketer. To hear racism, though — that’s another matter. There is no time or place for it in any walk of life, let alone cricket. It’s just not called for,” said Archer.

After suffering an inning and 65 runs defeat in the first match, Joe Root and Co will be eager to retaliate in the second Test that begins in Hamilton on Friday.

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