Picture Credit: Twitter/@SussexCCC
England speedster Jofra Archer has made a brilliant return to competitive cricket. After missing out on IPL 2021 with an injury, Archer was named in Sussex's 13-man squad for their County Championship match against Kent, starting May 13. The 26-year-old not only made it to the Playing XI but even provided the side with a great start on Day by scalping 2 wickets in his first spell. Not only did Archer get rid of Kent skipper Daniel Bell-Drummond in the first ball of the 6th over of the innings, but he also returned to dismiss Zak Crawley in his next over with a peach of a delivery. Till lunch on Day 1, Archer had picked 2 wickets for 15 runs in his 8 overs.
Check out Archer's dismissal of Crawley here:
Archer's final opportunity to prove fitness ahead of New Zealand Tests
With the IPL 2021 matches being suspended owing to COVID-19 cases emerging inside bio-bubbles, the County match with Sussex is expected to be Archer's final opportunity to prove his fitness for the Test series against New Zealand. Following the two Tests against the Kiwis, England will also take on India at home for a 5-match series commencing in August.
"Postponed IPL 2021 should be held in UK in September", says Pietersen
Meanwhile, former England captain Kevin Pietersen has suggested that the postponed IPL 2021 should happen in the United Kingdom instead of the UAE suggested by the reports.
"I have seen people talking about the UAE as a possible destination to finish the IPL in September, but I actually think the IPL should move to the UK," Pietersen had written in a column for Betway.
"There is a window in September after the England vs India Test series has finished. All the best Indian players would already be there, and all of the best English players would be available as well," he added.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later told that English players are unlikely to be available even if IPL happens in England owing to their international commitments.