Fast bowler Jhye Richardson has expressed his commitment to returning to Test cricket as he prepares for two unofficial four-day matches against India A in Puducherry. The matches are seen as a stepping stone towards next year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Richardson stated, “That’s always the plan – to play Test cricket,” during a Big Bash League event in Chennai, as reported by Cricinfo. He added, “I’d love to play Test cricket. Again, I’ve played a few games now, had a taste of Test cricket, but with shoulder issues and other issues, I haven’t played as much as I would have liked.” His determination highlights his focus on overcoming past injuries to achieve his goal of representing Australia in the longer format of the game.
“But I still feel strong in myself, and I’m enjoying the game and playing for my country. Senior bowler, junior – whatever it is – doesn’t bother me too much as long as I’m enjoying my cricket. “He’s one of the best players in the world. But you know, some of the conversations that we have off the field don’t regard cricket whatsoever.
Richardson turns 30 on Sunday, two days before the first Australia A-India A Unofficial Test, and said he remains motivated despite a career interrupted by injuries and the recent loss of his Australia central contract.
“It [turning 30] is quite scary knowing careers can end abruptly,” Richardson said. “Joe is amazing off the field,” Richardson said. He’s very intelligent and he thinks a lot about what he says.
“The stadiums are always packed out and super loud, so hopefully we can recreate something with that here. We might have to put in a good word around Chennai to try and get them on the Scorchers’ side. The fast bowler’s county returns were modest, with six wickets in seven innings at an average of 66.33, but he was encouraged by managing to stay on the field through the county season and the Global Super League in Guyana. Richardson is also looking forward to reconnecting with Indian fans when Perth Scorchers play the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL season opener in Chennai on December 12, the first BBL match to be staged outside Australia.
“We all know how much India loves its cricket,” Richardson said.
