ENG vs WI: Michael Holding questions ECB's COVID-19 protocols
Former West Indian pacer Michael Holding questioned England and Wales Cricket Board's bio-secure protocols to tackle the COVID-19. His statement comes after England bowler Jofra Archer was found breaching the protocol. The 25-year-old was excluded from the 13-man squad hours before the ongoing Test at Old Trafford commenced. He will now undergo two coronavirus tests during a five-day isolation period.
"I just want to ask a few questions of the ECB and these protocols, though. I can understand protocols have to be put in place but I would think they should be a little bit more logical," Holding told Sky Sports Cricket.
Following the series opener, the players travelled individually from Southampton to Manchester with a scheduled stop. Holder said the team should have travelled together. "Why aren't the England team travelling on a bus? If they have already passed their Covid tests, everyone is together, they have six Test matches, they are moving from one venue to the other," he added.
Contrary to Holder's comments, the ECB has projected an array of protocols for conducting the ongoing Test series. Under these protocols, the players and staff have been told to wear a GPS tracking device throughout the series. However, these are only activated at the venues.
Fast bowler Jofra Archer was excluded from England's squad ahead of the Old Trafford Test for breaching the bio-secure protocols. Although ECB did not state the nature of violation, media reports suggested the 25-year-old took an exit from the bio-secure bubble and visited his flat in Brighton following the Ageas Bowl Test. However, Archer issued an apology later on.
Archer's isolation period will last by the time the ongoing Test at Old Trafford concludes. Meanwhile, former England skipper Michael Vaughan lashed out at him for breaking the rules. "Jofra has had one of those moments. It's a little bit selfish. England lost the Test match and he just wanted to go home and see probably one of his loved ones," he said.
