After days of anticipation, Will Jacks has arrived in India. The English all-rounder was seen training with fellow Mumbai Indians players at the Wankhede ahead of their crucial clash against Chennai Super Kings on Thursday.
Jacks' arrival is a big boost to Mumbai Indians' campaign, which now seems back on track after a faltering start. As a big-hitting middle-order batter and a quality spinner, he strengthens both MI's batting and bowling although MI have good overseas spinners in Allah Ghazanfar and Mitchell Santner.
Jacks (27) also gives Mumbai Indians the option of opening, should the five-time champions look to bring in a new partner for Quinton de Kock. He has opened once for MI in the past, although in recent times he has batted at No. 6 and 7 for England.
Jacks was a standout performer for England in the World Cup, where they lost to India in the semifinal, earning four Player-of-the-Match awards. His arrival in Mumbai had been eagerly awaited by Mumbai Indians management and fans alike. However, he is understood to have sought some time before joining the franchise.
It being an optional practice day and travel day, there were not many MI players for the nets but Chennai Super Kings players, including MS Dhoni, showed up in full strength. Whether Dhoni will play the Thursday night game is to be seen but he kept wickets in the practice session. CSK meanwhile, have not decided on a replacement for Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the season due to a hamstring injury.
