Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson claimed a four-wicket haul in only his second match since returning from an injury hiatus.
Jhye Richardson picks up four-wicket haul for Australia A
Australia A skittled England Lions for 166 in the first innings in the one-off unofficial Test at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Jhye Richardson was the standout performer, returning figures of 4-35 from 12 overs, including three maidens. No Lions batter managed a half-century, with captain Tom Haines top-scoring with 31.
Richardson, 29, has played only three Tests since making his debut in 2019, with his most recent appearance coming in the Adelaide Ashes Test in December 2021, where he claimed a five-wicket haul (5-42). He last featured for Australia in 2022, appearing in four T20Is and two ODIs against Sri Lanka.
One-off unofficial Test, Australia A vs England Lions
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An international comeback on the cards for Richardson?
His outing in Brisbane arrives at a crucial moment for Australia, who are sweating over a fresh injury concern for Josh Hazlewood. The senior quick has reportedly suffered a minor Achilles issue while still recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the first two Ashes Tests.
"Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury," Sydney Morning Herald quoted a Cricket Australia spokesperson as saying. "It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."
Injuries have repeatedly interrupted Richardson’s own career, with shoulder and hamstring problems limiting his international opportunities. Having recovered from a dislocated shoulder sustained during last season’s Sheffield Shield, this was only his second match since returning to professional cricket. Earlier in November, he represented a Cricket Australia XI in a four-day fixture against the Lions, returning figures of 0-18 and 0-49.
Overall, Richardson has 11 wickets at 22.09 in Tests, 27 wickets from 15 ODIs at 29.37 and 5.87, and 19 wickets from 18 T20Is at 29.26 and 8.42.
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