Just when Western Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson was close to getting back into the Australian Test team he has been struck down again by injury.
The luckless quick has elected to have surgery to stabilise his right shoulder following a dislocation in late November, which will reduce the ongoing risk of further injury.
After extensive consultation with medical specialists and Cricket Australia, Richardson hopes that by electing to have the surgery now, he can return to be available to play by next summer when Australia take on England in the Ashes series on home soil.
Richardson was brought back into the Australian squad for the final two Tests of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy but missed out on playing his first Test for more than two years after Mitchell Starc was passed fit for the final match at the SCG.
“After careful consideration and many discussions with my medical team, I’ve made the decision to undergo shoulder surgery to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injury,” Richardson said.
“For the past few years, I have been limited by my shoulder in the field and know how increasingly important it is to be capable to back up my teammates.
“While it’s a tough call, especially as it means I won’t be able to finish the season with the Scorchers, this is the best option to set me up for a strong and healthy return to cricket.
“The timing of the surgery is crucial to ensure I have the best possible build up, including Shield cricket leading into next summer. I’ll be giving everything I’ve got to the rehab process, determined to come back as the best version of myself.
“Thanks for all the support, and I can’t wait to be back stronger for summer 2025/2026!”
