Cricket: Do your research before criticising us for not taking a knee, Jofra Archer tells Michael Holding

Jofra Archer says Michael Holding should have done more research before criticising players for not taking a knee.

Jofra Archer says there is a lot going on behind the scenes to confront racism

Jofra Archer has said that Michael Holding should have done more research before dishing out “harsh” criticism of the England team’s decision to stop taking a knee before matches.

The England fast bowler hit back at the West Indies great, who last week described the reasons given by England and Australia for not taking a knee in support of Black Lives Matter as “feeble” and “lame”.

Archer, 25, who helped England to square the three-match one-day series against Australia on Sunday night, defended his side’s stance.

“No one here has forgotten about Black Lives Matter,” he said. “I’ve spoken to (ECB chief executive) Tom Harrison and we have got stuff running in the background. I’m pretty sure Michael Holding doesn’t know everything that’s going on behind the scenes. It is harsh of Mikey not to do some research and criticise it, really.”

West Indies cricket great Michael Holding. Picture: Getty Images

England and West Indies players and coaches took a knee before each Test match this northern summer and wore a Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts, but that did not continue into the Pakistan Test, the T20 series or the limited-overs series against Australia. The ECB responded to Holding’s comments by reiterating its commitment to its inclusion and diversity strategy, with several new initiatives being looked at to combat barriers to participating in cricket from within the Caribbean community.

Archer has been the subject of racial abuse on social media and is known for responding to his abusers. He has also welcomed the increased crackdown by social media platforms on those who make racist comments. He said he hoped that legislation will be brought in that goes “a bit further”.

“A lot of stuff is being put into place,” he said. “People can be prosecuted easier, but it might have to go a bit further because some people aren’t worried about what can happen to them.

“I had one the other day — the guy blamed it on being drunk. My mum would always say, ‘You can’t think for people’. As long as there is social media and the person doesn’t have to confront you, it will still go on.

“I feel the love from the fans but there’s still a small percentage, you know? I may be doing well, but I saw one lady comment on my gold chain. Chains have nothing to do with cricket. If she knew me she would know I’ve worn chains from the time I was 14 years old.

“I am strong enough to deal with it, but what happens when they target someone who isn’t as mentally strong? We’ve got to try and stamp it out as much as possible.”

The Times