Dugout Cricket News: Faf du Plessis on Big Bash auction list and Jofra Archer on his comeback 

Faf du Plessis is now on the Big Bash auction list

The Proteas retired from test cricket in February 2021, and since then, he has become one of the most sought T20 players across different domestic leagues. 

The 37-year-old played a starring role in IPL 2022 for Royal Challengers Bangalore to lead the franchise to the third spot and bagged 468 runs in the edition. 

Faf du Plessis made a solitary appearance in BBL in 2012, where he represented Melbourne Renegades and played alongside Aaron Finch and Muttiah Muralitharan. After 2012, he nominated himself for the tournament for the upcoming edition. As a rule, overseas players must assign their price category and availability ahead of the draft. And as per reports, Faf du Plessis could feature in the Platinum category, in which a player gets a top salary of $AUD 340,000 and must be available for a portion of the tournament rather than the whole tournament. 

Apart from him, fellow South Africa batter Rilee Rossouw, former South African and current Namibia's all-rounder David Wiese, and former South Africa Marchant de Lange were also unveiled by BBL on Thursday. The Big Bash League will run from mid-December to the end of January, and of these four players, Faf du Plessis is almost sure to grab eyes and feature in the contest.  

Jofra Archer hints at his return to the World cup

England pacer Jofra Archer has not played for England since the five-match T20I series against India in March 2021. Since then, the pacer has undergone three bouts of surgery, two of which have been to fix chronic elbow injury. As a result, he missed last year's T20 World Cup and the Ashes.

Just when he looked to recover and return in action for Sussex this summer's Vitality Blast, the bowler got ruled out for the entire summer after suffering a back stress fracture. This was his second back fracture. The first one was on the left, whereas the second came on the right side of the spine. He remained upbeat about his recovery and expressed his desire and aim to return to action by September. 

Jofra Archer is optimistic about playing in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November. The pacer quoted, "As things are, nothing has changed, and I am still striving to get back on the field. That won't happen in a game situation this county season, but what's keeping me going is the fact that I should be bowling by September with a view to returning to competitive cricket soon after. Don't forget, the World Cup starts in October…."

His return to the English squad will strengthen the experience and bowling attack in a shorter format.