Mumbai Indians Cricket Director Zaheer Khan said that Archer’s return has overcome not only physical but also mental challenges.
First Published Jan 11, 2023, 9:19 PM IST
Cape Town: England star pacer Jofra Archer has returned to competitive cricket with three wickets after a 541-day long hiatus. Archer bowled brilliantly for MI Cape Town in the match against Pall Royals in the South African T20 Championship. Mumbai Indian Cricket Director Zaheer Khan said that Archer’s return has overcome not only physical but also mental challenges.
‘The injury and comeback was also an emotional one for Jofra Archer. Playing after a long break, the big challenge is how to come back when the career is a big question mark. All hard work can come back. Along with that you have to show a lot of patience. Archer saw not only physical combat but mental combat as well. Injury is not under anyone’s control. It is always a challenge to perform well after a long break. It will take a lot of energy’, Zaheer told Sports18.
Jofra Archer underwent four surgeries over 15 months to regain his fitness. The star injured his finger in 2021 and later underwent treatment for his elbow and back. The elbow required two surgeries. Mumbai Indians acquired Jofra Archer in the IPL mega auction last season despite not recovering from injury.
MI Cape Town won the match by eight wickets where Archer bowled and Devald Brevis batted brilliantly. Batting first, Pall Royals scored 142 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. Jos Buttler was the top scorer with 51 runs off 42 balls. Captain David Miller scored 42 off 31 balls. Jofra Archer shone with three wickets for 27 runs in four overs. In reply, Brevis hit 70 runs off 41 balls, including four fours and five sixes, while MI Cape Town reached the target with the loss of just two wickets in 15.3 overs.
Dewald Brevis, who was crushed; Archer shines in return; A resounding win for MI Cape Town
Last Updated Jan 11, 2023, 9:22 PM IST
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