Racial abuse of Jofra Archer made me think if I have turned a blind eye to things: James Anderson

James Anderson is one of best swing bowlers to have ever played the game of cricket. Not only this, but he has become an absolute legend of the game over the years. Having achieved all the respect from the game, Anderson has also become a great ambassador of the game.

After the recent revelation by former West Indian skipper Daren Sammy regarding the racial comments he faced during the IPL, the debate over racial discrimination in the sport has emerged yet again.

The entire world at this moment is fighting against racial discrimination after an incident in the United States of America. An African-American man named George Floyd was mercilessly killed by local police in Minneapolis. There have been also questions asked regarding the existence of racism in cricket after Darren Sammy and Chris Gayle expressed their opinions on it.

It’s been a thought-provoking few weeks for everyone: James Anderson

In an interaction, James Anderson talked about these thought-provoking weeks. He explained how he went into self-introspection upon hearing this incident. He also talked about something which Jofra Archer had faced in New Zealand during the Test series late last year. There were reports that the England pacer was racially abused by one of the spectators. Anderson said that it made him feel if he has turned a ‘blind eye’ to such things.

“It’s something as players and a game we need to be more active,” he said to Cricbuzz. “It’s made me think, have I experienced racism on a cricket field? I couldn’t remember any instances. I wasn’t in New Zealand when Jofra (Archer) was racially abused. It made me think have I turned a blind eye to things? I’d try to support my team-mates if they did suffer any sort of abuse but have I been active in supporting them?” Anderson added.

The legendary pacer also talked about the possible steps which should be taken to make the sport much friendlier for everyone.

“It’s been a thought-provoking few weeks for everyone and we will have conversations as players as to what we can do to make us stand differently. We need to actively make this game for everyone. It can’t keep going the way it is. That’s the sort of thing I have been thinking about really,” he added.

Amid the ongoing discussion over racism in the sport, Micheal Carberry, who has played for England, also expressed his opinion facing racism. Carberry who has played six ODIs and six Tests for England said that he has faced racism from coaches.