New Zealand Cricket to apologise to Jofra Archer after the latter faced racial abuse during the first Test

England was subjected to an excruciating loss by an innings and 65 runs after the duo of Neil Wagner (5/44) and Mitchell Santner (3/53) ran riot on the fifth day to bundle the tourists out for a mere 197 in their second essay. Needing to bat out the entire day in a bid to salvage a draw, English batters were hapless against the incisive bowling by the Kiwis.

However, the biggest news that has come out of the Bay Oval, apart from the visitors’ chastening loss is when their premier fast bowler Jofra Archer alleged that he was subjected to “racial insults” while batting (30 off 50 balls) on the fifth day in Mount Maunganui. Archer, who did not have a particularly good Test match (1/107) with the ball apprised of the situation on his Twitter account.

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”

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

— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019

New Zealand Cricket and ECB issue statements 

Following Archer’s claims, both- New Zealand Cricket Board and England & Wales Cricket Board- have gone into the act and have released their respective statements on the matter. According to the statement released by NZC, the Board will be contacting Jofra Archer to apologize to him on the same and make further inquiries on the issue; something they have a zero-tolerance on.

“Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavor to identify the man responsible. NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police.”

“It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologize for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton,” NZC statement read as quoted by the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, the ECB has also released its statement on the matter where they alluded that they along with the NZC will conduct an investigation on the racial abuse aimed at the Barbados-born English bowler and will look at whatever CCTV footage is available at the Bay Oval to catch hold of the perpetrator.

An ECB statement added, “The ECB supported by New Zealand Cricket are conducting an investigation into racial abuse aimed towards England cricketer Jofra Archer during day five of the first Test match in Mount Maunganui. The incident took place after Archer was dismissed and was walking off the field to the pavilion.”

“Through the scrutiny of CCTV footage at the Bay Oval, authorities are trying to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the remarks. The investigation is ongoing.  NZC and ECB ensure that clear guidelines are in place at every venue so that watching a cricket match is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

“Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward to report such behaviour and feel safe in doing so.”