Aussie pacer Jhye Richardson made his international debut in the ODI series against India in 2019 and everyone was sure that he will be one of the players to watch out for in the near future. He bowled some really great spells during the series and he was becoming a mainstay in Australia’s colored outfit.
But Richardson was hit with a shoulder injury right before the last year’s ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019 and has been doing everything to make a return to the team since then. The moment has finally arrived and Richardson has been included in the ODI series against South Africa.
If he gets a chance to play, this will be his first game since last year’s game against Pakistan.
Speaking on Jhye Richardson’s inclusion in the squad, the national selector of Australia, Trevor Hohns, shared that he is quite excited to have him back into the team. He further added that Jhye Richardson has been performing exceptionally well in recent times, especially throughout this year’s Big Bash League.
Hohns also explained that Australia is quite lucky to have players like him in the contention for a place in the team. He is one of the most genuine fast bowlers we have in the nation right now. Hohns also believes that the Men in Yellow in fortunate have such a pool of fast bowlers.
“Jhye is performing exceptionally well, as we saw throughout the Big Bash. He has slotted back into the T20 squad in South Africa and is pushing for a place in that side. We are very fortunate to have such a deep pool of fast bowlers,” Hohns said.
The chief selector also feels that having Richardson in the squad gives the team another amazing fast bowler.
“Keeping him in South Africa with the one-day squad gives us another exceptional fast bowler who is ready to go,” Trevor Hohns revealed.
The three-match ODI series between Australia and South Africa will commence from February 29.
On the other hand, Hohns also announced the team that will play the New Zealand side next month. The team is similar to the ODI team that has been selected for the South Africa series. Aaron Finch will lead the side with David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey being a part of the squad.
The pace department will be led by the trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Kane Richardson will also assist them.
Both teams will battle it out against each other in a three-match ODI series, starting from March 13 in Sydney.
Australia squad to face New Zealand: Aaron Finch (capt), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, and Adam Zampa.
