Archer must isolate for five days and return two negative COVID-19 tests before isolation lifted
Friday 17 July 2020 14:23, UK
England's Jofra Archer has been excluded from the second Test against West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford after a breach of bio-secure protocols.
The ECB confirmed Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two COVID-19 tests in that period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.
It is understood Archer went to his home in Hove after Monday's first Test concluded, a breach of the protocols which are in place to keep players in the two bio-secure venues that have been set up at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford.
The West Indies team have been made aware and are satisfied with the measures that have been imposed.
Archer said: "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."
Both teams have been living, training and sleeping in two 'bubble' sites, at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, adhering to strict health and safety procedures agreed by both boards.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports News: "It is naive and silly to get it wrong because of the effort that's gone in, and the health risk - this is a serious illness and you cannot risk infecting anyone.
"We don't know if it was just a naivety from Jofra or if it was something more serious. He has apologised, it is a very unusual situation that we all find ourselves in and he's made a mistake."
"His team-mates will be disappointed, as will his captain Joe Root, but cricketers just move on very quickly.
"Once someone's done something like this on a Test match morning, you completely park that and leave it with management."
Watch continued live coverage of the second #raisethebat Test between England and West Indies on Sky Sports Cricket.
