Western Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson has launched a compelling case for an Ashes recall, delivering a dominant four-wicket performance for Australia A in Brisbane.
Stellar Return on Day One
In a timely display of his skill and fitness, Richardson was the standout bowler as Australia A dismissed the England Lions for a modest 166 on the opening day of their four-day match at Allan Border Field. The speedster finished with impressive figures of 4-35 from his 12 overs, showcasing the pace and control that once earned him a Test berth.
His victims included key Lions batter James Rew, who was bowled for just seven runs after his match-winning 92 not out in Canberra last week. Richardson also clean-bowled Ben Kellaway for two before returning late in the innings to remove tail-enders Matthew Fisher and Nathan Gilchrist, who each scored 14.
Overcoming Injury Adversity
This performance marks a significant milestone in Richardson's long and challenging journey back from serious shoulder issues. His promising career, which has yielded 11 wickets in three Tests including a five-wicket haul against England in Adelaide in 2021, has been repeatedly interrupted since he first dislocated his shoulder fielding in a One-Day International back in 2019.
After undergoing stabilisation surgery last year, the 28-year-old has been meticulously working towards this moment. The procedure aimed to reduce his long-term injury risk, with the ultimate goal of being fully fit for the latter stages of the current Ashes series.
Feeling Fit and Ready to Go
Ahead of the Australia A contest, Richardson expressed a renewed sense of physical wellbeing, stating he felt as fit as he had in "four or five years". He outlined the patient approach taken during his rehabilitation.
"We said at the start of surgery that we wanted to get a few things in place to make sure the only setback was going to be my shoulder," Richardson explained. "If it was going to be sore, we just let that happen and not worry about anything else, and that’s where we’re sitting. Body’s feeling good, shoulder’s feeling good, and we’re ready to go."
This commanding performance with the red ball serves as a powerful reminder to national selectors of Richardson's quality and resilience. As the Ashes battle intensifies, his successful return from injury adds a compelling new option to Australia's pace bowling depth.
