England cricketer Jofra Archer says he was targeted by “racial insults” while “battling to help save my team” against New Zealand.
The 24 – year-old tweeted that it was “a bit disturbing “to hear the abuse from a spectator as the visitors fell to a disappointing defeat in the first Test of the series in Tauranga overnight.
He said: “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.”
England were bowled out for 197 as they fell to an innings and 65 – run defeat at Mount Maunganui, losing a flurry of wickets to collapse from 121 – 4 to 138 – 8 .
Bowler Archer put on a late show of resistance alongside Sam Curran, hitting 59 between them before the humbling result was finally confirmed.
Archer, who burst on to the international scene during the summer asEngland won the World Cup, had disappointed with the ball – taking just 1 – 107 from 42 Overs.
He has become a popular member of the England squad this year, making his Test debut against Australia in the Ashes series back in August, and is considered one of the brightest rising stars in world cricket.
New Zealand Cricket has released a statement apologizing for the abuse he suffered, saying: “New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologizing 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 endeavor to identify the man responsible. “
The statement continued: “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. “
The England and Wales Cricket Board has said it is also looking into the incident in New Zealand, where England will continue their tour with the start of the second Test on Friday.
Coverage begins at 9. 30 pm on Thursday on Sky Sports Cricket.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings