Due to a fitness issue, England pacer Jofra Archer was forced to withdraw from the IPL on Tuesday, prompting Mumbai Indians to replace him for the remaining T20 competition with fast bowler Chris Jordan.

In just five games this season, Archer, who was selected by five-time champions MI for $8 crore in the auction, has taken two wickets. He missed the IPL last year and has been out of the international cricket for over two years owing to a back problem.

Archer’s recovery and fitness will be monitored by England and Wales cricket Board (ECB) as he returns home to focus on his rehabilitation.

Jordan, his replacement, debuted in the IPL in 2016. He’s participated in 28 IPL games thus far and has 27 wickets to his credit. He has formerly played for the Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The 34-year-old, who has addressed Britain in 87 T20Is and has taken 96 wickets, had joined the MI camp in April end.

Jordan batted for near an hour in the nets on Monday.

Jordan joins MI for ₹2 crore. Curiously, he had gone unsold at the closeout that was held in December last year.