Jhye Richardson nears return to Australia's Ashes squad after surgery
What's the story
Jhye Richardson is on the verge of making a comeback into Australia's Test squad for the Boxing Day Test. This comes after a successful recovery from shoulder surgery. Pat Cummins, who is likely to miss Melbourne and possibly the rest of the series, has opened up space in the pace attack. Moreover, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon is also all but out of the final two Tests with a hamstring injury.
Training update
Richardson's training and potential inclusion
Richardson trained with the Test group ahead of Adelaide but wasn't officially part of the squad. His inclusion would mark exactly a year since he was last included, against India for the Boxing Day Test. He had undergone shoulder surgery soon after that, missing nearly 12 months of play due to long-standing issues.
Comeback journey
Richardson's gradual return to cricket
Richardson has been slowly making his way back into cricket over the past few months. He started with grade cricket before playing for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions. He then played for Australia A against the Lions, where he upped his workload and took five wickets in 26 overs. The 29-year-old, who last played a Test match in December 2021, owns 11 wickets from three Tests at 22.09.
BBL return
Richardson's BBL season debut and performance
Richardson missed Perth Scorchers's first game of the BBL season as he was with the Test squad. However, he made a comeback in a record-breaking clash against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba. He struck on his first ball to dismiss Colin Munro but overstepped while trying to get Matt Renshaw out.
Career overview
Richardson's Test career and future prospects
Richardson's career has been marred by injuries. If he makes a comeback into the Test squad, it will be interesting to see how selectors accommodate Steven Smith, who is set to resume captaincy in Cummins's absence if fully recovered from vertigo problems. Meanwhile, Richardson might have to compete with Michael Neser for a spot in the XI. The latter took a fifer in the second Test of the ongoing Ashes before making the way for Cummins in Adelaide.