Jofra Archer fined and warned by ECB after breaking England’s coronavirus protocol

Jofra Archer has been fined by the ECB and received a written warning for breaking England’s coronavirus protocol, but will be available for selection for next week’s third Test against West Indies – assuming he tests negative for Covid-19.

Archer took part in a half-hour meeting on Friday evening with managing director Ashley Giles, his agent and a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association, in which he expressed his regret for taking a detour to his home in Hove on Monday after the first Test at the Ageas Bowl.

Because of his previous good conduct, it is understood there was no question of ruling him out of the final game of the series.  

Jofra Archer has been fined and warned for his behaviour ahead of the second Test between England and West Indies when he breached bio-secure rules by driving home

Archer drove from the Ageas Bowl to his home in Hove before heading up to Manchester

Instead, he has been fined the equivalent of a match fee – believed to be in the region of £13,500 – and warned about his future conduct.

Archer must now undergo two Covid tests – one today and one on Sunday. If he passes both, he will able to rejoin the team bubble on Tuesday, three days before the start of the third Test in Manchester.

No play was possible before lunch on the third day of the second Test, with England desperate for the chance to square the series and regain the Wisden Trophy. West Indies are 32 for one in reply to the hosts’ 469 for nine declared.

Archer bowls in the nets at Old Trafford on Tuesday ahead of the second of three Tests

The players drove from the Ageas Bowl near Southampton to Old Trafford in Manchester – a journey of 227 miles lasting about four hours if the most direct route is taken

The detour from the Ageas Bowl to Archer’s home in Hove added around 100 miles to the trip

Archer was effective with the ball in the first Test against West Indies’ at the Ageas Bowl