Star England fast bowler Jofra Archer will undergo COVID-19 test before joining the England camp for the series against West Indies. Meanwhile, the Caribbeans have already landed in the country to play the series in bio-secure environments.
The selectors included Archer in a 55-member training squad for the summer. Meanwhile, many English cricketers have already resumed training. Stuart Broad and James Anderson have resumed their individual training. Ben Stokes, who is likely to captain the side in the first Test, has also hit the deck. All-rounder Chris Woakes has also returned to practice after a significant gap.
Archer to appear for COVID-19 test
Jofra Archer and his family appeared for COVID-19 test and the first report came negative. They will undergo another test before the ace fast bowler joins the camp on Thursday.
“Archer, and members of his household, have tested negative for COVID-19,” the ECB said. “He will have a second test tomorrow (Wednesday), and if he tests negative, he will join up with the training group on Thursday,” he added.
So far, Jofra Archer has played seven Tests and 14 ODIs for the English side. He played a significant role during England’s maiden World Cup-winning campaign last year.
England will host West Indies for three-Test series which will get underway from July 8 with the nearly month-long series concluding on 28th. Following that, Pakistan will tour England for a Test and T20I series, which will get underway from July 30 with the T20I series.
Meanwhile, with as many as ten Pakistan cricketers testing COVID-19 positive, the tour looks in jeopardy. But both England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are confident to go on with the schedule.
