Mumbai Indians have signed Australia fast bowler Riley Meredith as replacement for the injured Jhye Richardson. He joins them for INR 1.5 crore (USD 182,000 approx.).
Meredith was with Mumbai last season as well, when he was bought at his base price of INR 1 crore (USD 133,000 approx.). He played eight games, taking eight wickets at an economy of 8.42 as Mumbai finished at the bottom of the points table. He was released ahead of the auction for the 2023 season. Meredith had also played for Punjab Kings in 2021.
At the recent BBL, Meredith was the joint fifth highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps from 14 games. In all, he has played 77 T20s, including five internationals for Australia, picking up 100 wickets at 8.33 per over.
Mumbai were in talks with Sri Lanka fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera as well but the deal didn't go through.
Mumbai started IPL 2023 with a crushing defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their pace stocks were depleted after injuries to Jasprit Bumrah and Richardson. Meredith joins Jofra Archer, Jason Behrendorff, Duan Jansen and Cameron Green as other overseas seam bowling options at the franchise.
Richardson underwent surgery in March to overcome his hamstring issues. He is likely to miss the upcoming Ashes too.