England vs West Indies: Jofra Archer ruled out of second Test after breaching bio-secure protocols

England pacer Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies which is set to commence on Thursday. He breached the bio-secure protocols in place and will now have to undergo five days of self-isolation and two COVID-19 tests to be available for the third and final Test match. COVID-19 outbreak has changed a lot of things in cricket and the teams are currently in a bio-bubble to make sure no one contracts the virus.

The hosts had announced the 13-man squad for the must-win Test match and Jofra Archer was picked with Mark Wood being dropped from the team. James Anderson was rested while Ollie Robinson made it to the squad. Now it remains to be seen whether the latter comes in straight away or one of Anderson and Wood make it to the playing XI.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) released an official statement about Archer’s non-availability for the Test match. The board also cleared that the West Indies team has also been informed of the same and they are happy with the measures.

Jofra Archer apologises for letting both teams down

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer has apologised everyone for his actions and breaching the bio-secure protocols. He also felt that he put his and the team’s health in danger and regrets missing the crucial game for his team. “I am extremely sorry for what I have done. 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,” he said. England are 0-1 down in the three-match series even as Joe Root has returned to leading the team after missing the series opener due to the birth of his second child. Meanwhile, Archer will now only return if he tests two COVID-19 negative after self-isolation period.