Big Blow For England! Pacer Faces Disciplinary Action Ahead Of 2nd Test Against India

Jofra Archer last played for England in 2021 in Ahmedabad. Photo: PTI

England speedster Jofra Archer has made his comeback to red-ball cricket after four years of injury layoff in the County Championship game between Sussex and Durham and is very likely to play England's second Test against India at Edgbaston , Birmingham, starting July 2. But upon his return to competitive cricket, he has found himself under fire for a possible breach of discipline. The 30-year-old is likely to be fined by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for wearing the wrong colour socks during his County Championship match.

Archer bowled 18 overs, picked up a wicket and conceded 32 runs on day two at Chester-le-Street. Archer also scored 31 lower down the order in Sussex's first innings. However, despite his rather impressive outing, his socks could land him in trouble with the ECB. That is because the County Championship's rule mandates that "socks must be of white or light grey colour only," but Archer wore black ones instead. Archer's gaffe could result in a fine or a reprimand from the ECB.

Recently, India captain Shubman Gill has allegedly breached ICC's dress code for Test cricket after he was spotted wearing black socks during the first Test at Headingley, Leeds against England. After his team lost to England by 5 wickets despite him scoring a century, Gill is now staring at a formal warning or a fine between 10 and 20 per cent of his match fee.

According to clause 19.45 of the ICC's Clothing and Equipment Rules, players can only wear "white, cream, or light grey" socks in Test matches. If his breach was accidental or his correct socks were unusable, however, he could escape a penalty.

However, regardless of the punishment Archer receives from the ECB, England will be optimistic of getting the speedster on board at Edgbaston, especially after India piled up 835 in two innings at Headingley, with four batters hitting tons, including two by Rishabh Pant. Archer last played for England in 2021 against India at Ahmedabad, while his last Test in England came at Southampton against Pakistan in 2020. The Barbados-born fast bowler has so far played 13 Tests and picked up 42 wickets.

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