In an exciting development for the Desert Vipers, Tymal Mills, England’s T20 World Cup winner, is set to join their squad for the second season of the ILT20. Mills steps in for Gus Atkinson, who is on England Test duty for the upcoming tour of India. This marks Mills’ return to the Vipers after an untimely exit from the previous edition due to injury.
Mills, a left-arm fast bowler, had to cut short his involvement in the inaugural ILT20 due to a recurrence of an injury to his right big toe. This injury, sustained during the English summer of 2022, led to two operations and complications with infection. Although he faced setbacks during the tournament, Mills showcased remarkable recovery and form during the UK summer, representing Sussex Sharks in the T20 Blast and the Southern Brave in The Hundred.
Despite his success in both tournaments, Mills and his team narrowly missed reaching the final in The Hundred, losing in the Eliminator. Reflecting on the 2023 season as one of the best in his career, Mills expressed joy at playing without the fear of injury, emphasizing the satisfaction of training and playing without holding back.
“It is great to be back and yes (it is unfinished business),” Tymal told the Vipers Voices podcast. “Last year ended for me very prematurely when I had a recurrence of an injury to my (right) big toe which was incredibly frustrating.
“I loved my time with the Vipers and I stayed out for a bit longer after it was decided I would have to fly home, and me and my family are really excited to be getting back out there (to Dubai) and hopefully putting in a much longer and better shift at the second time of asking.”
The challenging schedule of the T20 Blast, featuring consecutive matches and extensive travel, tested Mills’ endurance. However, he remained resilient and proud of being the leading wicket-taker in The Hundred. The break after the season provided Mills with the necessary rest to recharge.
As the Desert Vipers gear up for the second edition of the ILT20 starting on Friday, January 19, Mills is excited about his return to the squad. The Vipers’ first match is against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, January 21. Mills sees this opportunity as a chance for redemption and unfinished business, expressing gratitude for the chance to contribute to the team’s success.
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