Jofra Archer admits he may not be ready for Friday’s Third Test against West Indies after being worn down by his treatment online — some of which was racist — for breaching the ECB’s biosecure protocols.
Archer was stood down for the Second Test after visiting his home during his journey from Southampton, venue of the series opener, to Manchester.
The England fast bowler revealed he was subsequently racially abused on social media. The ECB say they are “supporting him and have reported the message through the appropriate channels”.
Archer wrote in his Daily Mail column: “This whole week has been extremely tough and to spend five days in isolation has given me a lot of thinking time on where I am at. I give 100 per cent every time I go out there and I don’t want to go out on the field unless I can guarantee doing that.
“I know it was an error of judgement and I have suffered the consequences. I haven’t committed a crime and I want to start feeling myself again.”
Archer’s situation complicates an already tricky selection picture.
James Anderson and Mark Wood look likely to return after being rested last week.
England missed Archer’s menace at Old Trafford, but still won with Stuart Broad taking six wickets, Chris Woakes five, and Sam Curran three.
Given the options, England may decide it is simpler to allow Archer time to get in the right headspace, although he has privately assured management he is ready to play. The match squad is expected to be announced today.
