Mark Boucher: Jofra Archer was (in Belgium for a minor surgery)

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Mark Boucher says Archer adds a different dimension to our attack, obviously, some good pace and he can bowl with the new ball and he's very good at the death as well

On April 29, the Mumbai Indians revealed that Jofra Archer traveled to Belgium for a “minor surgery” while there is, however, no clarity on when did the visit and surgery happen which sparked a heated discussion in the cricket world and included the player himself.

Did-he-or-didn’t-he mystery has finally been solved. On April 29, the Mumbai Indians revealed that Jofra Archer traveled to Belgium for a “minor surgery.” 

There is, however, no clarity on when did the visit and surgery happen which sparked a heated discussion in the cricket world and included the player himself.

“Yes, he was (in Belgium for surgery),”

Mark Boucher, the coach of Mumbai Indians, said, coming clean on the matter.

“I believe it was a minor surgery,”

the South African said on the eve of Mumbai Indians’ match against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede.

Archer went only for a day but Boucher would not know the timing.

“I have things to look after,”

he said.

Interestingly, when the reports surfaced about the Barbados-born English pacer’s quick trip to Belgium for elbow surgery, Archer spoke out quite a bit to say on the matter.

“Putting out an article without knowing the facts & without my consent is crazy. Whoever the reporter is, shame on you, an already worrying and troubling time for a player and you exploit it for your gain, it’s people like you that are the problem (sic),”

Archer had said in a social media post. 

“You’re making it sound like the ECB told him and he published it when that is not what happened. So, unless you know something that I don’t please shed some light (sic).”

However, Boucher also said Archer is available for the Saturday night game and it can change the nature of the contest. 

“We all know what Jofra can do. He’s been a fantastic bowler for many years now. So, he adds a different dimension to our attack. Obviously, a good pace. He can bowl with the new ball and he’s very good at the death as well. It (death overs) is one area where we’ve struggled a bit. So, he can hopefully come in and fulfill that role, bowling in those situations,”

the MI coach said.

Archer, one of the best fast bowlers of world cricket, has not performed well in the IPL so far. He participated in just two of MI’s seven games, taking one wicket this season. The team will look to Archer to make an impact before the season is out, which he is capable of doing.

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