Back after long lay-off, Jofra Archer steams in for 'KSCA' in warm-up game vs Sussex
Alur, Mar 15: England's fastest bowler Jofra Archer, who last played competitive cricket in May, 2023, looked in fine rhythm with figures of 2 for 22 in a seven over spell for Karnataka State Cricket Association XI (KSCA XI) against his own county side Sussex in a two-day warm-up game here.
Archer, who is part of the visiting Sussex side here, has not played for England since March 2023 and underwent an elbow surgery in May after he had to leave MI's IPL campaign midway through the tournament.
Subsequently, the England and Wales Cricket Board did not allow Archer, who was released by Mumbai Indians, to enter the IPL players' auction in December last year, citing the need to manage his workload.
Even though, the 28-year-old was retained by MI Cape Town for this year's SA20, his participation in the tournament did not eventuate.
Despite Archer appearing for them as a guest player, the KSCA XI could not prevent Sussex from taking the first innings and finish their two-day warm-up match on a strong note here on Friday.
Archer, who is on an extended recuperation trail, bowled seven overs and took two wickets (2/22) to support left-arm spinner Paras Gurbax (5/80), but the visitors made 365 before getting bowled out.
KSCA were bundled out for 201 in their first innings, and thus Sussex gained an innings lead of 164 runs.
The home finished their second innings at 162 for four.
Earlier, Tom Alsop (60, 109b, 7x4) and James Coles (87, 107b, 14x4) anchored the innings of Sussex with fine fifties.
Archer trapped Alsop in front of the wicket, while he castled Oli Carter (31, 33b, 3x4).
Brief scores:
KSCA XI: 201 all out in 162/4 drew with Sussex: 365 all out in 71.4 overs (James Coles 87, Tom Alsop 60; Paras Gurbax 5/80, Jofra Archer 2/22).
Wicket - Alsop out lbw, b Archer
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) March 15, 2024
The KSCA XI’s newest addition looks like a decent player tbf. 😅 pic.twitter.com/KXOTr6AgRI
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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