In good news for England cricket, Jofra Archer could return to competitive cricket in early 2023. He has been struggling with injuries for quite some time now. The premier fast bowler has not featured for England since the fifth T20I match against India at Ahmedabad in March 2021.
He returned to competitive cricket during a match for Sussex against Kent in July 2021. However, the injury revived once again. Archer’s cricketing career took a blow when he suffered a persistent elbow problem before an operation was done to remove the glass from his finger after and then suffered a stress fracture in the back.
He again suffered another injury in May this year. Archer was seen bowling for England during their tour of the West Indies. The pace bowler was supposed to be a part of the Sussex side for the Natwest T20 Blast this year but could not take part in it.
Archer was bought by the Mumbai Indians franchise in IPL 2022 for a handsome price but did not take part in the tournament due to an injury. He did not feature for Southern Brave in the Hundred tournament.
He could join England’s Test side on November 18 in Abu Dhabi as they prepare for the Test series on Pakistani shores, starting from December 1.
A joyous sight – Jofra Archer back bowling 💫 pic.twitter.com/mBAT5SaL9v
— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) October 5, 2022
England were dealt a major blow as he did not take part in the ICC World T20 2021 played in UAE. Eoin Morgan-led side could not cross beyond the semi-finals stage as they struggled with their bowling.
He will also miss this year’s T20 World Cup to be played in Australia. England are clubbed with Afghanistan, New Zealand, Australia and two more qualifiers from the first round. It will be a major blow for the England team as they have been struggling with their bowling.
England and South Africa will feature in three ODIs between 27th January till 1st February on South African shores.
Jofra Archer’s career in numbers
Jofra Archer made an impact in his first Test during the home Ashes series in 2019. He created an impact by troubling Steve Smith with a barrage of bouncers. Archer has taken 42 wickets from 13 Tests, 30 wickets from 17 matches in ODIs and grabbed 14 wickets from 12 matches in T20Is.
He could feature for Mumbai Indians during the 2023 IPL. If he could make it into the MI squad, then it will be interesting to see how MI perform.
Written by Pavan Suresh
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