New Zealand Cricket has ordered increased security at the second Test against England in Hamilton after a crowd member racially abused visiting paceman Jofra Archer during the opening match in Mount Maunganui. Black Caps captain Kane Williamson described the taunt as “horrific”, while NZC said the culprit would be reported to the police and barred from cricket grounds if he was identified from the venue’s CCTV footage.
“We’re incredibly disappointed, it’s just not acceptable and we won’t tolerate it,” NZC chief executive David White told Newstalk ZB radio.
Barbados-born Archer tweeted after the match concluded late Monday that it was “a bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team”.
The 24-year-old later told ESPNcricinfo that the abuser was a solitary New Zealand spectator making comments “about the colour of my skin” after he was dismissed and walking toward the pavilion.
The incident has overshadowed the result of the first Test ever played at Bay Oval, which New Zealand won by an innings and 65 runs.
