England’s injury-plagued fast bowler returned to competitive cricket after a 541-day hiatus in the opening game of South Africa’s new domestic Twenty20 league, the SA20. It only took Jofra Archer three deliveries to remind the world of his wicket-taking prowess.
Archer grabbed three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs as part of a three-pronged English bowling assault for MI Cape Town. As they defeated Paarl Royals by eight wickets. Paarl Royals was comprised of Jos Buttler, Jason Roy, and Eoin Morgan.
Rashid Khan, captain of the MICT, remarked, “It’s quite difficult to return after such a lengthy absence. Therefore to see this kind of comeback was a treat to witness.” “When we watched him bowling in practice. We said, ‘He’s ready to play.’ He is completely prepared and it’s wonderful that he’s back.
Archer had not participated in a Twenty20 competition since July 2021. But he returned to action with a wicket maiden. Dismissing Wihan Lubbe with his third delivery, caught at mid-on off a leading edge. He returned later in the innings to dismiss the Royals’ skipper, David Miller. And Frisco Adams with consecutive deliveries to end an encouraging performance.
Jofra Archer’s long-awaited return
Buttler, who made 51 off 42 balls before missing a slow-ball full toss and losing his middle stump, was one of the two wickets taken by Olly Stone. Whose personal injury history includes four stress fractures of the spine.
Sam Curran did not take a wicket, but his sharp throw causes Morgan to run out on the penultimate ball of the Royals’ innings.
In response, a 90-run opening stand between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton propelled Cape Town towards their target of 143. Brevis, a tremendously talented 19-year-old who hit 167 off 57 balls in a domestic T20 in October, remained unbeaten with 70 off 41.
Archer had four operations within 15 months as he fought his way back to fitness. The first in March 2021 to remove a shard of glass from his finger, the result of a freak fish tank-cleaning accident. Tollowed by two on his right elbow and finally, last June, one on his lower back. Shortly after a stress fracture diagnosis had ended his season.
Archer was not permitted to pick up a ball for three months after his final operation. But he has gradually increased the intensity of his training since then. Bowling in a warm-up match between England’s Test side. And the Lions in Abu Dhabi last November and making his first competitive appearance since May 2021.
It is anticipated that he will play four SA20 games before returning to England for this month’s one-day international series in South Africa.
