England bowler succumbs to more racial abuse

Amid widening speculation of racial abuse in cricket, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has lodged a complaint with the Tauranga police over the alleged racist abuse directed at England bowler, Jofra Archer.

Read: ‘Times have changed, it’s not 2007 anymore!’ – cricketer blasts racism

The 24-year-old was reportedly again at the receiving end of racial remarks, this time, by “a spectator” at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui in the first Test match nearly two weeks ago. In September, Archer came out clapping back at those spectators who had undertaken a similar ploy while England and Australia played out in the fourth match at Old Trafford during 2019 Ashes series.

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There seems to be no letting up for the racial abuse being suffered by England bowler, Jofra Archer (Image: Sky Sports).

Fast forward to events in New Zealand, Archer said he heard demeaning comments from someone in the stands during England’s innings-and-65-run defeat. Despite running an inquiry, NZC said it was unable to conclusively identify the person responsible for the alleged comments against the Barbados-born Archer.

Abhorrent and unnecessary abuse

NZC chief executive, David White, said the cricket body would have an open-and-shut case as more inroads are made in the matter. “Should the person responsible ever re-offend, we believe we have enough information to link him to the Bay Oval incident,” said White.

Archer described the incident as disturbing while New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, said the abuse was horrific and that he hoped nothing like that ever happens again. New Zealand won the series 1-0 after the drawn second Test in Hamilton.