IPL 2023: Five-time-IPL champions Mumbai Indians finally have something to smile going into the all-important IPL auction in Kochi next month. Star England pacer Jofra Archer is on course to return to action somewhere next year. The news couldn’t have come at any better time for the most successful IPL franchise. Follow InsideSport.IN for LIVE updates about Indian Premier League 2023
IPL 2023: England pacer Jofra Archer on track to gain full fitness in early 2023, likely to play for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians bought the tall Barbados-born England pacer for Rs 8 Crore in last year’s auction. However, the 27-year-old was unavailable for the complete season, as he was nursing a stress fracture. The good news is that Archer has been recovering well, and is likely to return to action somewhere in March next year.
“He is currently in the UAE with the England Lions team and is continuing his rehab. He is making excellent progress and the view is that he will be looking to play competitively again during the early part of 2023,” an ECB spokesperson told a leading sports website.
The England Lions are preparing in Dubai currently and will be in Abu Dhabi next week for the Test series against Pakistan in December.
It is reported that coach Jon Lewis is keeping a close watch on Archer’s fitness is now. The 27-year-old is working closely with veteran pacer James Anderson to regain full fitness.
The word is that Archer has already started bowling, that will certainly give a massive push to Mumbai Indians’ hopes going into IPL 2023.
IPL 2022: Mumbai’s worst season in over a decade
Despite the England pacer’s long-standing injury, Mumbai Indians stuck with him, and his name find no mention in the recently released list of Indian and overseas players. Looks like, the gamble is now set to pay rich dividends to the Mumbai unit.
In the absence of Jofra Archer, Mumbai suffered in the fast bowling department.
The team who has made a habit of winning IPL crowns in their sleep, finished as the wooden spooners in the last edition. Mumbai could manage only four wins from 14 matches and failed to make it to the playoffs.
Despite knowing Archer’s unavailability, MI bagged him in the last auction with the aim to make for a deadly combination with Jasprit Bumrah.
Coincidentally, Bumrah too has suffered stress fracture and is also out of action from international cricket. However, every MI fan would be hoping that both Bumrah and Archer recover well in time for IPL 2023.
Bumrah from one end, and Archer from the other end. Good luck to all the willow wielders facing them.
IPL 2023: England pacer Jofra Archer on track to gain full fitness in early 2023, likely to play for Mumbai Indians
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