NZ vs ENG | People have to accept diversity that's there in England cricket team, opines Jofra Archer

The first Test match between England and New Zealand was a tough one for Jofra Archer who just managed a single wicket but fought valiantly with the bat scoring a gritty 30 off 50 balls. As if his struggles with the ball, after a successful Ashes campaign back at home, weren't already tough for the youngster, he faced racial abuses as he was walking off to the pavilion after being dismissed in England‘s second innings.

Archer took to twitter to share the shame full incident as he wrote that “the crowd was awesome, except the one guy.”

“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,” the 24-year-old tweeted.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement in the aftermath of the incident where they informed that an investigation is already underway in collaboration with Cricket New Zealand as the ECB conceded that even if it is a stand-alone incident, it is being taken into account keeping in mind the safety of the players.

“The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supported by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) are conducting an investigation into racial abuse aimed towards England cricketer Jofra Archer during day five of the first Test match in Mount Maunganui. The incident took place after Archer was dismissed and was walking off the field to the pavilion. Through the scrutiny of CCTV footage at the Bay Oval, authorities are trying to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the remarks. The investigation is ongoing. NZC and ECB ensure that clear guidelines are in place at every venue so that watching a cricket match is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“Whilst this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to come forward to report such behaviour and feel safe in doing so.”

Archer while talking about the incident pointed out that the world is changing and becoming more and more multicultural and hence people are learning to embrace it. The Barbados lad also went on to throw light on the diversity in the England side itself and urged people to accept it.

“I was aware what the guys were saying — something about my passport — but I blanked them. It was only later that Rooty [the England captain, Joe Root] said the guys got ejected. It was the first time I’d seen someone get ejected from a ground, because there were some abusive fans when we played Pakistan at Trent Bridge," the Guardian quoted Archer saying so.

“The world’s changing. It’s becoming more multicultural. A lot of people have accepted it for what it is. Look at the England cricket team — there’s huge diversity. It’s the same with any football club in the world. I think people have to accept it.”

NZC in a statement have informed that they will be apologising to Archer for the shameful incident and shared that they have a zero tolerance policy towards any such event as they look to make the environment safe and enjoyable for both the players as well as the fans.

“New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui. Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible," read the statement from NZC. 

“NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police. It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”