Jofra Archer Hits Back At Michael Holding Over Latter’s Remark On Players ‘Not taking a knee’
by CA EditorJofra Archer has responded to Michael Holding’s comments about England and Australia players not taking a knee in support of the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement. The West Indies legend recently criticised England and Australia’s decision while also terming the statement from Aaron Finch ‘lame’.
When West Indies visited England in July, players from both the teams had taken a knee before the first Test in Southampton. Match officials also took part in the gesture, while both sets of players were carrying a logo on their shirts. England also took the knee in the one-day international series against Ireland.
However, Australia and England decided against doing the gesture ahead of their T20I series, much to the disappointment of Holding who did not shy away from criticising the same.
However, Jofra Archer has defended England while stating that the country has not forgotten about the movement. The Barbados-born pacer said that England are actively supporting the movement ‘in the background’ and that the former Windies quick should have not said what he did without doing proper research.
“I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know anything that is going on behind the scenes. I don’t think he has spoken to [ECB chief executive] Tom Harrison,” Jofra Archer said.
“I’ve spoken to Tom and we have stuff running in the background. We’ve not forgotten. No-one here has forgotten about Black Lives Matter. I think that is a bit harsh for him to say that. I think it is a bit harsh for Mikey to not do some research before criticising,” he added.
England and Australia are currently involved in the three-match ODI series which is locked at 1-1 with a match to go. Following the series, players from both the countries will travel to UAE for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).