England's tour of New Zealand has taken a worrying turn after Jofra Archer said he was racially abused by a spectator. The hosts won the first Test by an innings and 65 runs after declaring on 615/9, but that is now likely to be overshadowed. Archer wrote on Twitter:"A bit disturbing hearing racial insults today whilst battling to help save my team, the crowd was been amazing this week except for that one guy, @TheBarmyArmy was good as usual also."New Zealand fans were quick to apologise to the 24-year-old in the comments. 

Sickeningly, it is not the first time the Barbadian-born bowler has been abused this year. 

In September, during the fourth Ashes Test, two Australia fans were thrown out of Old Trafford for shouting "show us your passport" at him. 

On a personal note, the England quick endured a difficult match with the ball, taking 1-107. It was made to look worse by his teammates' own impatience in the first innings on an exceptionally flat wicket where runs were there to be had. 

Chris Silverwood's new side have conceded 600+ for the sixth time in four years, Joe Root facing renewed criticism for his perplexing use of his bowling attack. Archer, in particular, was kept waiting for far too long and then struggled to make a breakthrough. 

By the time he finally dismissed BJ Watling, caught Jos Buttler, the wicket-keeper had romped his way to a double-century. 

Buttler defended his Rajasthan Royals teammate from criticism of his performance, insisting it was England's first innings collapse - they lost four wickets for 18 runs in the middle order - that was to blame for the heavy defeat in Silverwood's first Test. 

“I think you all forget Jofra is very new to international cricket,” Buttler said, via the Guardian. 

“It’s his first overseas tour and the first time he’s bowled with a Kookaburra ball. He is a very special talent but he is only five games into his Test career.

“Jofra has broken on to the international scene with immense success but you can’t ask too much of him too soon. He’s still a very young man, learning lots along the way. Just because he’s a fantastic performer already and got such great attributes, it’s tough to ask too much of him and we shouldn’t do.

"If we’re really critical, it’s the first-innings runs with the bat."

The ECB have launched an investigation after Archer's claims.