Jofra Archer hits back at Michael Holding over Black Lives Matter criticism

Jofra Archer insists England have not forgotten about the Black Lives Matter movement despite criticism from West Indies legend Michael Holding.

Holding criticised the decision for players to stop taking a knee before matches and described England and Australia’s statements in response to the issue as ‘lame’.

The England and West Indies squads both took a knee throughout their Test series earlier in the summer, but that did not continue during the subsequent Pakistan series or the one-day matches against Australia.

England bowler Archer said: ‘No one here has forgotten about Black Lives Matter.

‘I’ve spoken to [England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive] Tom Harrison and we have got stuff running in the background.

‘I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know anything that’s going on behind the scenes.’

England fast bowler Archer was racially abused by a spectator during a Test in New Zealand last year and has also posted pictures of the abuse he receives on social media.

‘As long as there is social media, as long as the person does not have to confront you, I think it will still go on,’ Archer added.

‘My mum always says you can’t think for people. All we can do is try to act accordingly, report it and do what’s best.

‘I’m strong enough to deal with it, but what happens when they start targeting someone that isn’t mentally as strong and it starts affecting them?

‘We’ve got to try to stamp it out as much as possible.’

England World Cup-winner Archer took 3-34 as Eoin Morgan’s side beat Australia by 24 runs in the second ODI at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Following Wednesday’s series decider, Archer will travel to Dubai where the 2020 Indian Premier League is being held to play for Rajasthan Royals.

Archer has spent 87 days in the England bio-secure bubble this summer, more than any other players, and admits it can take its toll.

He said: ‘I’m not sure I’ve got much more bubble left in me for the rest of the year.

‘I haven’t seen my family really since February and we’re in September now. The IPL will be most of October. November, we’re hopefully going to South Africa.

‘That only leaves me with a few weeks in December for the rest of the year.

‘Family time is really important, especially when you physically cannot see them. Any time I have I’m going to spend with them.’

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