Jofra Archer was subjected to racial insults in the 1st Test match at Mount Maunganui. It happened as he was leaving the ground as New Zealand celebrated their victory by an innings and 65 runs.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said it would be apologizing to Archer but added it has yet to identify the perpetrator. “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,” it said in a statement. “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. “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.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it is conducting an investigation into the incident, which took place as Archer walked off the field following his dismissal. As part of the investigation, England said Archer had received a direct message via social media from someone who is alleged to be the culprit.
Archer was playing a Test outside England for the first time. He took 1/107 in New Zealand’s first innings of 615/9 and made a career-best 30 in England’s second innings of 197. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he would seek out Archer ahead of the second Test, which begins in Hamilton on Friday, to apologize in person.
