JOFRA ARCHER will receive extra support from his England mates as he tries to get his mind and body in shape for the Second Test.
The racist abuse directed at Archer on Monday was the most shocking moment of the fast bowlers incident-filled three weeks in New Zealand.
England were crushed by an innings and 65 runs in the First Test, meaning they must now win to tie the series.
Head coach Chris Silverwood and captain Joe Root will pay special attention to Archer over the next 24 hours to make sure he is 100 per cent ready to take on the Kiwis again.
So far in New Zealand, 24-year-old Archer has…
- Suffered racist abuse.
- Bowled an incredible 42 overs in his first overseas Test, taking just one wicket.
- Been told by Root he could unleash a little more at times.
- Struck three batsmen on the head.
- Buzzed over the outfield on a Segway.
Even an apparently relaxed character such as Archer could be forgiven for wanting a quiet day or two.
Team supremo Ashley Giles admitted: The point about his meteoric rise is that were expecting a hell of a lot from a young bloke. He cant just run in and bowl 95mph every day its not going to happen.
Hes young and has not played a lot of cricket. We have to help him.
The players will rally round Jofra. The culture among the management team and players will do that.
Were all different and need different management styles the carrot and stick will work differently with people.
But Jof is gold for us and we have to look after him.
‘AGAINST EVERYTHING WE BELIEVE IN’
We have to be careful how much we think were going to get out of him every day.
“And on a pitch as placid as the one for the First Test, it was pretty hard work. Hes really important for our future.
Archer revealed he had been abused by a spectator at the Bay Oval when he tweeted it was a bit disturbing hearing racial insults.
It is understood his post, just after the First Test had finished, was made without first telling the team management.
England have no issue with the content of his tweet but players will be reminded it is wise to run social media messages on sensitive subjects past the hierarchy first.
Kiwi captain Kane Williamson joined the condemnation of the racist comments and pledged to apologise in person to Archer.
Williamson said: I will definitely try to see him over the next few days.
Its certainly against everything Kiwis are about and I hope nothing like it ever happens again. I can only apologise to Jofra on behalf of Kiwis.
Many feared Archer was over-bowled but captain Root actually wanted him to bowl faster more consistently.
Silverwood admitted England are still learning how to get the best from him.
He said: He got through a decent workload so well have to see how he pulls up for the next Test.
I wouldnt say he bowled too many overs. Youve got to do whats in front of you in Test cricket.
We bowl him in short spells. We want every ball to be an effort ball.
If you bowl in short spells, you can run in, bowl hard and try to make something happen.
Its difficult to make an effort every ball. Your body hurts at times and, as you get older, your body hurts every day.
We just have to manage the expectations on Jofra. Hes young and learning all the time.
Hes bowling with a Kookaburra ball now and weve seen it doesnt do a great deal.
