Melbourne, December 15
Jhye Richardson will replace injured paceman Josh Hazlewood but opener David Warner has been cleared to play against England in the second day-night Ashes test, Australia captain Pat Cummins said on Wednesday.
Hazlewood was ruled out of Adelaide after suffering a side strain during Australia’s nine-wicket win in the first Test at the Gabba.
Two-Test Richardson beat out the uncapped pace veteran Michael Neser for the spot in Australia’s attack with Cummins, Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Richardson, who generates a lot pace from a 1.78m frame, rejoins the team nearly three years on from his impressive debut series against Sri Lanka in 2019.
The 25-year-old’s international career suffered a setback when he dislocated his shoulder in a fielding mishap against Pakistan’s one-day side soon after his test debut.
But he returned to top form in the Sheffield Shield this season to earn a place in the Ashes squad.
“He played two really good tests and was on the verge of an Ashes series and a World Cup before his shoulder injury,” Cummins told reporters at Adelaide Oval on the eve of the test.
“He’s worked incredibly hard, had a great start to this year for WA and we think he’s firing.” Lefthander Warner suffered a bruised rib after taking a few body blows during his 94 in Brisbane and appeared in some discomfort during a net session on Tuesday.
However, Cummins said the 35-year-old would grind through with the help of a pain-killing injection, if necessary.
“Knowing Davey he’s not going to miss this one. He’ll be fine when the adrenalin kicks. It’s not like a broken bone that is going to get worse,” Cummins said.
There were no other changes to the XI that secured a 1-0 lead in the five-test series at the Gabba.
Australia hold the urn after retaining it in 2019 in England, where they drew the series 2-2 against Joe Root’s team.
Australia XI: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Lyon
— Reuters
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