By Telegraph Sport
Jofra Archer conceded the worst figures in the history of the IPL when he was hammered for 76 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Archer, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, was brought on to bowl amid an onslaught by Australian Travis Head (67 from 31 balls) and Ishan Kishan (106 not out from 47 balls). The Englishman’s first two balls were struck for four and six and he went on to concede ten fours and four sixes in a torrid four overs.
Archer’s economy rate was 19 an over and he bowled just one dot ball. He also conceded five from a no ball called on height that went for four byes. One of the sixes struck off his bowling by Head was measured at 105 metres.
Hyderabad smoked their way to 286 for six in their 20 overs, falling one run short of the IPL record they set last year. There was surely no way the visitors could get near that total, but nothing is certain any more amid the IPL run-fests and Rajasthan gave it such a good go as they amassed 6-242 that Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins had to admit: “It’s scary...”
Jofra Archer during his spell against the Sunrisers.Credit: Getty Images
Australia’s skipper himself found his bowling getting the treatment, as he recorded wretched figures of 0-60 off his four overs, having been hit for five sixes and four fours off his allocation.
Archer was a late addition to this year’s IPL auction after some wrangling with the ECB about his central contract with England. He was picked up by Rajasthan, for whom he has played previously, for a fee of $2.3million.
The previous most expensive figures belonged to Mohit Sharma, another seamer, who was struck for 73 runs without taking a wicket for Gujarat Titans against Delhi Capitals last year.
Travis Head hits out during his innings.Credit: AP
England hope that Archer will be available to play Test cricket this northern summer, against India, and then also play a part in the Ashes in Australia. His most recent Test was in February 2021.
Speaking earlier this year, Brendon McCullum, the England head coach, said: “I would imagine Jof would be keen to play Test cricket this summer, yeah.
“We know how great Jofra is at the very top of his game and to have him back, fit and excited about playing is a real win for English cricket. We’ve got to make sure we’re always doing the right thing by Jof and understanding the risks involved, but I’m pretty sure he’s keen to play Test cricket.
“If you can add him to the battery of fast bowlers you’re trying to build then it only strengthens the squad. Overall, I’m really pleased to see where Jof’s at and it’s great to see him back playing and injury-free at the moment.”
London Telegraph, AAP