New Delhi: England lost by 4 wickets in the first Test match against West Indies played at Southampton. The second match is being played in Manchester from today. Before this match, England had to take a strong decision to drop their leading fast bowler Jofra Archer out of the team. Indeed, while returning from Southampton, he had moved to his home in Brighton, a violation of the Essential Bio-Safe Protocol.
Jofra Archer will now have to stay on the quarantine for five days and during this time he will have two Tests for the Covid-19. He will be able to return to the team only if he is found negative in the investigation. However, soon after realizing the mistake, Archer issued a statement and apologized. Explain that due to fear of Coronavirus, this series is being played in a bio-safe environment. Let’s know, what happens is a bio-safe environment and what rules the players have to follow.
Read- I am ashamed, but everyone’s life in trouble: Archer
What is a bio-safe environment?
Biosecurity is a set of measures aimed at preventing the initiation or spread of harmful organisms (here taking the coronavirus). Its purpose is to reduce the risk of infection of people or animals due to viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) prepared a similar setup, which is being followed in the ongoing West Indies series. Apart from sanitizing from the stadium to the hotel room, strict rules have been made for the players and concerned officials and employees.
These rules are being followed during the match
Under the bio-safe environment rules, players from both teams do not have the freedom to roam outside. Apart from the players, match officials also have to strictly follow the social distancing. Under this rule, West Indies players had to undergo a quarantine for three weeks after reaching England. The use of saliva to shine the ball is banned. Also, players will not celebrate by joining hands after taking wickets.
Stadium also empty
With this, players will not even join hands with each other. At the same time, all three Test matches will be played in an empty stadium without an audience. Match officials, operational staff, required venue staff, broadcasters, and media will have to strictly follow the regulations. During the commentary, the commentators are sitting far away from each other. These rules are also being followed during press conferences or prize distribution.
