Jofra Archer excluded from second Test after breaching Covid-19 protocols

Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two Covid-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted

England’s Jofra Archer will miss the second Test against the West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford following a breach of the team’s bio-secure protocols.

The seamer, who took three wickets in the second innings of England's first Test defeat, travelled home to his flat in Hove on Monday after leaving the Ageas Bowl.

The ECB had provided bio-secure rest stops on the route from Southampton to Manchester to allow players and officials to stop, stretch legs, fill up with fuel and go to the bathroom.

Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two Covid-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.

The West Indies team have been made aware and are satisfied with the measures that have been imposed.

“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.”

England delayed naming their squad on Wednesday, ultimately opting to add two extra seamers in Sam Curran and Ollie Robinson to a group already featuring Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Archer.

Initially some reports claimed that Archer's detour to his flat had been picked up by a tracking device. However, the ECB quashed those suggestions, responding: "To be clear, the track and trace chip attached to accreditation for all stakeholders, whether you're a player or media, are for the venues only. They only work in venue. We do not track player or management movements via GPS between venues."

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