Perth Scorchers fans have received a major boost with the confirmed return of star fast bowler Jhye Richardson for their Big Bash League clash against the Brisbane Heat. The speedster has been locked into the side for the Friday night fixture at the Gabba.
Richardson's Long-Awaited Comeback
Jhye Richardson's return marks his first competitive top-level match since a BBL game in January last year. Following that appearance, the Western Australian opted for stabilisation surgery on his troublesome right shoulder. He has meticulously built back to full fitness this season, featuring in Premier Cricket for Fremantle and playing two red-ball games against the England Lions, the touring England reserves squad.
Richardson was unavailable for the Scorchers' season-opening victory over the Sydney Sixers last Sunday as he joined the Australian Test squad for their Ashes preparations ahead of the third Test in Adelaide. He linked up with his Perth teammates in Queensland on Wednesday, ready to make an immediate impact.
Team Changes and Toss Outcome
Richardson comes into the Scorchers' XI as the team's sole change, replacing fellow quick Mahli Beardman. Beardman's two overs in the opening win were taken for 28 runs, prompting the switch. The Brisbane Heat won the toss and elected to bowl first, setting the Scorchers' powerful batting line-up the task of building a substantial total on the board.
The Heat have also made a key change, regaining the services of Australian left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. He has recovered from a side strain that kept him out of their season-opening loss to the Melbourne Renegades. Kuhnemann replaces Paddy Dooley in the home side's line-up.
Scorchers Aim to Continue Dominant Streak
The Perth Scorchers will be looking to extend their formidable recent record against the Brisbane Heat. The defending champions have won 11 of the last 13 encounters between the two sides, a psychological advantage they will hope to leverage at the Gabba. The return of a fit and firing Richardson significantly bolsters their bowling attack as they seek a second consecutive win to start their BBL campaign.
Perth Scorchers team: Mitch Marsh, Finn Allen (wk), Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Joel Paris, Brody Couch.
Brisbane Heat team: Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matthew Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Matt Kuhnemann, Liam Haskett.
