IPL 2023: Riley Meredith Signs For Mumbai Indians; Replaces Injured Jhye Richardson

Riley Meredith will be part of IPL 2023 as the Australian pacer was signed by Mumbai Indians on Thursday in place of injured compatriot Jhye Richardson, confirmed the franchise.

Riley Meredith, who played for Mumbai Indians last season and took eight wickets in eight games, was released by the franchise ahead of the mini-auction. The 26-year-old was based price Rs 1.50 crore at the auction and went unsold.

As per a release by IPL, Riley Meredith signed for Mumbai Indians at Rs 1.5 crore while stating that Richardson recently went under the knife for a hamstring injury. "Richardson is suffering from a hamstring injury and is ruled out of the 16th edition of the IPL. Meredith joined MI for Rs 1.5 crore," read the IPL statement.

Meredith, known for his raw pace and has clocked 152.2 kmph in the Big Bash League, made headlines during IPL 2020 auction when Punjab Kings bought him for Rs 8 crore. The pacer, however, played just five games in the subsequent season and took four wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate close to 10 before the Chandigarh-based franchise released him.

Riley Meredith plays for Tasmania in Australia's domestic circuit and has played five T20Is and one ODI for the national team since making his debut in March 2021 against rivals New Zealand in a T20 game. His sole ODI match came during Australia's tour of the West Indies that same year.

The pacer is yet to take a wicket in ODI and has taken four wickets in T20Is, including a three-for. Meredith has played all his Big Bash League career for Hobart Hurricane since making his debut in BBL 07. He has taken 80 wickets in 59 games at a strike rate of 16.21. His best bowling figure in this franchise league is 4/21 and has won three man-of-the-match awards for them.