Ben Stokes says England squad will strive to support Jofra Archer during his isolation spell

England are in a strong position in Archer's absence in the second Test.
Getty Images for ECB
Will Macpherson17 July 2020

Ben Stokes says England must rally round Jofra Archer so that the fast bowler “does not feel like he is by himself“ as he completes a mandatory five-day spell in isolation having breached the strict lockdown protocols in place for the series against the West Indies.

Archer is missing the Second Test at Manchester, after he stopped at his home in Hove on the way from Southampton to Old Trafford, coming into contact with an unidentified individual while there. He is set to learn over the weekend whether he will face further disciplinary action from the ECB.

In his absence England are in a strong position, with centuries from Dom Sibley and Stokes providing the backbone of a first innings score of 469 for nine declared. Archer’s replacement Sam Curran picked up a wicket late on day two to hammer home that advantage.

Many players spoke to Archer, who has apologised for his behaviour, on the first evening and Stokes says now is an important time to show how important he is to the team.

“I think from us as players and as an England cricket group this is a time where our way of operation really needs to come through,” said vice captain Stokes.

“We really need to be there to support Jofra right now. Obviously he’s a big talking point and he is by himself because of everything else going on at the moment. it's making sure that it doesn't feel like he's by himself.

“The worst thing we could do right now as a team is just leave him and see him in five or six days time.

“At times like this people are very, very tough and you can feel like you are all by yourself. But I don't think anybody is going to allow that to happen. Jofra’s a massive part of this group as everybody is. If it was anybody else bar Jofra it would be exactly the same.

“Its all good being there for people when things are going well and smoothly but what really comes through is how you operate with someone when they need you the most.“

Stokes was delighted with his epic partnership of 260 with the “rock” Sibley, and his 10th century more generally. It was his longest Test innings.

“I was more buzzing to face 300 balls than when I got to my century,” he said. “I never thought I was capable of facing 300 balls.”

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