England pace bowler Jofra Archer has been sent into self-isolation and ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies after breaching the team's COVID-19 bio-secure protocols.
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Both teams have been living, training and sleeping in two 'bubble' sites, at the Rose Bowl and Old Trafford, adhering to strict health and safety procedures agreed by both boards.
Archer has now confessed to breaking those rules and has been removed from the team environment immediately ahead of Thursday's toss.
It is understood he breached the team protocols by visiting his home in Brighton during the journey from Southampton to Manchester on Monday.
"I am extremely sorry for what I have done," he said.
Archer, who had been retained for this week's Test in Manchester while James Anderson and Mark Wood were rested, added: "I have put, not only myself, but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and I want to sincerely apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble."
Archer will now commence five days of isolation and will undergo two COVID-19 tests in this period, which have to test negative before his self-isolation period is lifted.
England, who began the three-match series by losing the first Test on a dramatic final day at the Rose Bowl, did not announce a replacement for Archer in the squad.
With Wood and Anderson due to be rested, veteran Stuart Broad could be recalled after being dropped for the series opener.
Australian Associated Press
