ENG v WI 2020: "No sympathy for Jofra Archer," Michael Holding upset with Archer's careless action

Archer was dropped from second Test after breaking biosecure protocols.

Jofra Archer | AP

Commentator for the ongoing Test series between West Indies and England, Michael Holding is not happy with pacer Jofra Archer for breaching the bio-secure bubble protocols ahead of the second Test.

The England speedster had to miss out on the second Test, which is a must-win game for his team, because of his carelessness. 

Holding slammed Archer and gave an example of the famous South African President Nelson Mandela to make sacrifices.

"I have no sympathy at all. I don't understand why people can't just do what is required. Talking about sacrifices -- Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a little cell and he did nothing wrong -- that is a sacrifice," Holding told Sky Sports.

Archer will stay in five days of isolation and will undergo two Covid-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.

ALSO READ: ENG v WI 2020: "His teammates and captain will be disappointed," Hussain slams Archer for breaching COVID-19 protocols

England's players traveled from Southampton, where the first Test was played, to Manchester in separate cars. While Archer traveled directly to Old Trafford, he made a detour to his flat in Brighton.

Holding questioned ECB's protocols as well. "I just want to ask a few questions of the ECB and these protocols, though. I understand that protocols should be put in place but they should be a little bit more logical," Holding said.

"Why aren't the England team traveling on a bus? If they have already passed the COVID test and everyone is together, they have six matches and are moving from one venue to another, why aren't they just all on a bus?

"Why are they allowed to travel by car? People need to just think a bit," he added.

Archer's exclusion has put England in a bit of trouble as they look to make a comeback in the series. Former England cricketer, and another commentator for the series, Michael Atherton criticized Archer's actions.

"It's very foolish for a number of reasons. One, it cost him a place in the team. Secondly, it's thrown England's plans into disarray, a vital Test match that they must win to try and win this series," Atherton told Sky Sports.

"And thirdly it's put at risk all the work that ECB have done. These six Test matches, three against West Indies, three against Pakistan, they've had to do a tremendous amount of work to get these games on."

 
 

By - 17 Jul, 2020

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