Two Australian spectators were thrown out of the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester after they reportedly hurled abuses at English pacer Jofra Archer.


The incident happened on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia. As reported by the Australian media, both the fans were seated near the boundary line where Archer was fielding.

They shouted, “Jofra, show us your passport” referring to his Barbados heritage, albeit in a poor taste. People around those two men, complained about their abusive activity after which they were evicted by the authorities.

The report further stated that Jofra himself was left annoyed by those comments but chose not to respond. The entire episode became the talking point during the game in which only 44 overs could e bowled due to intermittent rain.

Showers in Manchester caused a delay of over two hours after the lunch break. Moreover, the plans to extend the play to regain that lost time were abandoned as the rain played the spoilsport again during the tea break.

The delay in the afternoon session didn’t disturb Steven Smith (60*) much who had returned after missing the last Test due to concussion. He brought up hi made his eighth straight Ashes half-century on the first day.

Smith and Travis Head (18) will resume the play from 173/3 on Thursday. Currently, the series is tied a 1-1 with two Tests remaining and victory for the Australians would ensure they retain the urn.