Western Australian speedster Jhye Richardson is poised to take a crucial step in his injury comeback just as Australia's fast bowling depth faces a significant test ahead of the Ashes series.
Perfect timing for Richardson's return
The 28-year-old quick has been named in the Cricket Australia XI squad for a four-day match against England Lions at Lilac Hill, beginning November 21. This date coincides perfectly with the start of the Ashes series at nearby Optus Stadium, located just 13 kilometres away.
Richardson's return to red-ball cricket marks his first appearance in the longer format since November last year, following stabilisation surgery on his troublesome right shoulder in January. The timing couldn't be more critical for Australian cricket.
Australian bowling stocks take multiple hits
The Western Australian's comeback accelerates as Australia's established fast bowlers face injury concerns. Captain Pat Cummins is currently recovering from bone stress in his back, while veteran Josh Hazlewood and uncapped quick Sean Abbott both suffered hamstring injuries during the final Sheffield Shield round before the first Test.
This injury crisis among Australia's pace attack has opened the door for Richardson to potentially add to his three Test caps, the most recent of which came during the 2021 Ashes series.
Coach's confidence and recent form
Australian coach Andrew McDonald had previously identified Richardson as part of Australia's Ashes planning back in September, indicating the team management had him in their thoughts for the latter stages of the series.
"We've got Jhye Richardson returning from injury, should be back somewhere in the middle of that Ashes as well if everything goes well, and at the moment things are going well," McDonald said at the time.
Richardson has been building match fitness through Premier Cricket appearances for Fremantle, featuring in their last three one-day matches. Most recently, he bowled eight wicketless overs in an eight-wicket loss to Mt Lawley on Saturday.
The Cricket Australia XI selection provides Richardson with valuable red-ball practice ahead of potential Ashes involvement. The squad composition reflects players outside their states' first-choice Shield sides, with white-ball specialist Jake Fraser-McGurk and WA batter Teague Wyllie among other notable inclusions.
Cricket Australia has confirmed that one non-playing member of Australia's Test squad will also join the team, with WA's Josh Inglis potentially available for batting practice if not required as a concussion substitute during the Test match.
