England speedster Jofra Archer, who has opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, is showcasing his skills while playing for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) XI against his county team Sussex in Alur.
The Sussex men’s first team is currently in Bangalore for a pre-season tour ahead of the County Championship which is scheduled to start on April 5.
In a video shared by Sussex County, Archer can be seen dismissing Tom Alsop. In another tweet, the 28-year-old is pictured standing with the other KSCA XI players.
Wicket – Alsop out lbw, b Archer
The KSCA XI’s newest addition seems to be a promising player. 😅 pic.com/KXOTr6AgRI
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) March 15, 2024
Archer has been absent from professional cricket since May 2023, following a recurring elbow stress fracture while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Jofra Archer signing autographs for the kids outside Alur Stadium. (X | @SussexCCC)
Mumbai Indians purchased Archer at the 2022 mega auction. After missing the first season entirely, Archer played just four matches in the 2023 season before returning home due to the elbow injury.
The pacer’s injury resurfaced during the ODI World Cup, where he was part of the England reserve squad. Archer was sent back home, ruled out of the white-ball series in December in the West Indies, and his return timeline remains uncertain.
Despite only playing seven white-ball matches for England since March 2021, Archer has been awarded a two-year ECB central contract. He has been plagued by a fractured right elbow and a stress fracture of the back during this period.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in the Caribbean and the USA in June and July, England is hoping for Archer’s complete recovery in the upcoming weeks, as he is expected to play a crucial role in the title defense.