Cricket news round-up – November 26: Jofra Archer allegedly racially abused by spectator in New Zealand

Jofra Archer has said he heard racial remarks while he was walking back after his stint with the bat in the middle during the final day of the England-New Zealand Test. Elsewhere, George Bailey has been appointed Australia selector, Michael Klinger is Melbourne Renegades coach, and an England duo make the trip to South Africa.

Jofra Archer allegedly racially abused

England star Jofra Archer has said he heard a racist slur directed at him from someone in the crowd during the final day of the first England-New Zealand Test in Mount Maunganui.

Archer took to Twitter to announce the incident, and New Zealand Cricket immediately issued an apology and stated an investigation was ongoing, along with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“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,” the statement from NZC said.

George Bailey named Australia selector

George Australia, the former captain and still an active cricketer, has been named as the third member of the Australia selection panel, alongside chairman Trevor Hohns and coach Justin Langer. 

Bailey, known to be a widely respected figure in Australia’s cricket circles, will fill the role left vacant by Greg Chappell, after he stepped down following the Ashes series earlier this year.

Bailey reportedly reacted to the news, when asked by reporters, by saying “I’m not going to pick myself”.

Michael Klinger named new Melbourne Renegades coach

Michael Klinger, the former Australia T20I player, has been named Melbourne Renegades coach ahead of this year’s BBL.

He will replace Andrew McDonald, who won a title with the side but stepped down after taking up a role as Australia assistant coach. Klinger has no experience being head coach, but he is confident of doing a good job.

“To be given the opportunity to coach the current BBL champions is obviously very humbling and a fantastic honour,” Klinger said. “I’ve played with and against a number of players in the squad and I’m looking forward to working alongside such a talented playing group. Andrew has set up a terrific platform and I’m ready to take that forward this season.

Bairstow, Anderson to head to South Africa for camp

England duo Jonny Bairstow and Jimmy Anderson will head to South Africa early to take part in a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa early in December.

Both players are currently out of the Test squad, the former being dropped and the latter due to longstanding injury issues. Mark Wood will also be in the camp, designed to test the fitness of players before England’s Test series against South Africa.

Anderson, Wood and Bairstow will all have hopes of being included in the squad for the four Tests in South Africa.