'Horrific': NZ cricket condemns 'disturbing' fan behaviour towards Archer
New Zealand cricket said it would be reaching out to England quick Jofra Archer to apologise following the star’s claim he was the target of “racial insults” from a crowd member.
Archer tweeted on Monday claiming a fan targeted him with “disturbing” insults during England’s heavy defeat to New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
SKIPPER’S SPRAY: Tim Paine extends feud with India captain Virat Kohli
'HE’S A MOLE': How Shane Warne helped Pakistan take down Steve Smith
Archer claims he was racially abused when he was called upon to save England with bat and valiantly put on 30 runs.
The paceman praised the majority of the Mount Maunganui crowd for the atmosphere, but condemned one fan he claimed target him with “racial insults”.
A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team , the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy , @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) November 25, 2019
New Zealand cricket has since released a statement claiming any investigation findings will be passed on to the police.
“New Zealand Cricket will be contacting, and apologising to English fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was racially abused by a spectator as he left the field at the conclusion of the first Test at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui,” the statement read.
“Although security providers at the venue were unable to locate the perpetrator, NZC will be examining CCTV footage and making further inquiries tomorrow in an endeavour to identify the man responsible.
“NZC has zero tolerance towards abusive or offensive language at any of its venues and will refer any developments in the case to police.
“It will contact Mr Archer tomorrow to apologise for the unacceptable experience, and to promise increased vigilance in the matter when the teams next meet in Hamilton.”
Black Caps captain Kane Williamson said he would seek out Archer before the second Test, which begins on Friday, to apologise in person.
"It's a horrific thing," Williamson told the Stuff news website.
"In a country and a setting where it is very much multi-cultural it's something we need to put to bed quickly and hope nothing like that ever happens again."
The ECB said that "whilst this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for anti-social or racist behaviour within the game".
New Zealand too strong
Wagner proved too good for the tourists' middle and lower order, finishing with 5-44 on Monday as New Zealand put the icing on a dominant final three days.
England were knocked over for 197 just before the final drinks break at Bay Oval on Monday, never threatening the 262 they needed to make the hosts bat again.
It was a memorable and fighting victory for New Zealand that captain Kane Williamson said was clearly set up by their exceptional response of 9-(dec) 615 after England posted 353.
Wicketkeeper BJ Watling's 205 and a maiden Test century to Mitchell Santner (126) squeezed the life from the visitors, who will face an inquisition ahead of the second Test in Hamilton from Friday.
"England are an outstanding side and it took a huge amount of hard work to get past their total on a wicket that was wearing," Williamson said.
"A huge amount of heart from that middle order batting unit to get us to the 600 mark. For them to keep making good decisions for a long period of time was an outstanding effort."