Jofra Archer is set to be available to play in the third Test against West Indies after England issued the fast bowler with an undisclosed fine and a written warning for breaching their strict biosecurity protocols.
The 25-year-old is undertaking a five-day isolation period in his room at Old Trafford’s on-site hotel and two additional Covid-19 tests following the detour to his flat in Hove on Monday’s travel day from Southampton to Manchester.
The trip, during which he had contact with an unnamed third party, came to light on the eve of the ongoing second Test after Archer had let slip to a member of England’s support staff. It saw him dropped from the team, with Sam Curran taking his place in a revamped seam attack following last week’s four-wicket defeat.
But though Ashley Giles warned the unapproved journey could have cost the sport “tens of millions of pounds”, the director of England cricket has now opted for a degree of clemency following an internal disciplinary hearing on Friday evening.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: “Jofra Archer has been fined an undisclosed amount and received an official written warning after admitting to breaching the team’s bio-secure protocols on Monday 13 July when he made an unauthorised visit to his home in Hove.
“Archer was withdrawn from England’s second Test squad against West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford and is commencing five days of isolation at the venue. He will undergo two Covid-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted. He is due to rejoin the rest of the squad on Tuesday 21 July.
“The hearing was chaired by Ashley Giles, managing director, England men’s cricket and included Archer’s agent and a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association.”
England’s third Test of the summer takes place at Old Trafford from 24 July and now the coaching staff must decide whether five days of inactivity – and the performances of others in the meantime – lead to an instant recall.
Archer is said to be “distraught” at the events but has the support of his teammates while he sees out his isolation period. Speaking on Friday, the vice-captain Ben Stokes said: “Times like this are very tough and you can feel like you’re by yourself. I don’t think anyone will allow that to happen. Jofra is a massive part of this group, as everyone is. If it was anyone, it would have been the same way of handling it.
“It’s all good talk of being there for people when things are going well and smoothly but what really comes through is how you operate when someone needs you the most.”