Jofra Archer has been dropped from England’s Test team to face West Indies on Thursday having broken the strict conditions inside the bio-secure bubble at Emirates Old Trafford.
Archer took three wickets on the final day of the defeat at Ageas Bowl on Sunday and was the only fast bowler retained in the squad from that game, with James Anderson and Mark Wood rested.
His place in the side looks likely to go to Sam Curran, or perhaps Ollie Robinson, with Anderson and Wood not recalled to the squad.
Strict protocols have been in place for the players and management to protect the game from Covid-19 and, while details are as yet unclear about what exactly Archer has done, he did breach the protocols.
He now faces five days in isolation, in which time he will have two tests for Covid.
“I am extremely sorry for what I have done,” said Archer.
“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.”
