We've got his back in a 'pretty horrific' incident: Ben Stokes on Jofra Archer's racial abuse

A formidable Kiwi bowling force Neil Wagner (5/44) and Mitchell Santner (3/53) dismantled the England batting line-up as they bundled out the visitors on 197 runs on the final day of the first Test. Kane Williamson and Co cruised to the victory by an innings and 65 runs and gained a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

After England’s batting order failed to stitch any vital partnership, it was Jofra Archer who battled it out in the middle while scoring 30 runs off 50 balls, keeping the hope for a draw alive for the visitors. After suffering a comprehensive defeat in the first game, Joe Root and Co will be eager to retaliate in the second Test that begins in Hamilton on Friday.

However, the Barbadian-born speedster was the receiving end of ‘racial insults’ while batting 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”

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 eager to perform in the second and final Test of the series.

Jofra Archer received an apology from New Zealand Cricket chief David White

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

Archer’s compatriot Ben Stokes has also come forward in support of the pacer. Stokes, who was England’s talisman in the World Cup 2019 final, has stated that Archer has got support from the whole squad in such horrific incident.

“To receive abuse like that is a horrific thing to be a part of. Jofra has received a huge amount of support from us as players, that’s the main thing for us is making him aware that we’ve got his back in a pretty horrific incident,” said the England all-rounder as quoted by NewsNow.

Stokes said the Kiwis who had shown Archer support following the incident were more reflective of New Zealand than the ‘idiot in the crowd’ who racially abused the pacer. “I think what New Zealand represents is how much support Jofra has had not just from the New Zealand cricket team but New Zealand in general after that incident,” said Stokes.

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