In a recent twist to the ongoing investigation into tracing the person who racially abused England pacer Jofra Archer during the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui Test, two spectators have come forward with the identity of the perpetrator.
Two Tauranga brothers have revealed that the supporter did not even mention a New Zealand player once and that they are sure that he was an Englishman. "He was an English supporter. He definitely wasn't a New Zealand supporter; he never once mentioned a New Zealand player. This guy chose quite quiet, specific times when the bowler was just walking up to his run-up so it was quiet and he would yell out," one of the brothers was quoted by the Bay of Plenty Times.
Archer was abused by a spectator after he was sent to the pavilion and he reported the incident to the security present at the ground. Archer then tweeted about the incident "A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team, the crowd has been amazing this week except for that one guy, @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also".
Meanwhile, ESPNCricinfo reported that the abuser had contacted Jofra Archer on Instagram after the incident. NZC had also released a statement and confirmed that they would be making an official apology to Archer. "NZC has zero-tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer to any developments in the case to the police," NZC said in an official statement.
New Zealand had defeated England in the first Test by an innings and 65 runs. Both teams will next take on each other in the second Test, slated to begin from 29 November at Hamilton.
(ANI inputs)