’Scary’ Jhye a serious threat
ROCKING Test batter Marnus Labuschagne with a body blow in the Adelaide nets on Tuesday was more evidence of the “seriously scary” stuff fast bowler Jhye Richardson could dish out after being called up for the second Ashes Test.
Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed Richardson would replace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the daynight clash against England. Hazlewood has been ruled out with a side strain.
West Australian quick Richardson has made a stunning return to red-ball cricket after two years of serious shoulder issues, taking 23 wickets at just 13.43 in four Sheffield Shield matches this summer.
He was the only change to the Australian team.
Cummins has backed opener David Warner to fight through the pain of a rib injury he sustained in the opening Test in Brisbane.
Warner didn’t face any bowlers in a 30-minute net session on Tuesday night in Adelaide but Cummins said he would be right to play.
“He had a bat yesterday, batted with some discomfort, but knowing Davey he’s not going to miss this one,” Cummins said.
“He’ll be fine when the adrenaline kicks in. It’s one thing batting in the nets, different thing with a packed crowd.
“He didn’t have painkillers, he’s played close to 90 Tests. I’m sure a lot of them have been played with discomfort or things going into the game.”
Cummins said Richardson was “better” than when he made his Test debut in 2019 despite battling debilitating shoulder injuries that have limited his output in the past two seasons, and cost him a shot at the 2019 one-day World Cup and Ashes series in England.
“He was on the verge of an Ashes series and a World Cup before he had his shoulder injury,” Cummins said. “He’s worked incredibly hard, had a great start to his year for WA. We think he’s firing.
“He’s taken his time. Even last year he battled in the field but was one of the main bowlers in the Big Bash. I think he’s better, has more control, all the skills, and is a little bit older.
“He’s really skilled, he can swing the ball both ways. He’s faster than you think. He’s really consistent. In Shield cricket he’s bowled 20 overs for 20 runs in some matches.
“We feel really confident Jhye is going to step straight in.”
His WA teammate Cameron Green said Richardson was a “level above” state cricket and should add to his two Tests.
“He’s been unreal for WA back at Shield level,” Green told the Unplayable Podcast. “He’s been so relentless with his line and length and everyone can see the skill he has.”