Really happy to see Jhye Richardson in the Australian Test squad: Sanjay Manjrekar

The last few days have been nothing less than memorable for Australia’s rising speedster Jhye Richardson. The right-arm pacer recently grabbed the headlines after starring for his side in the first ODI of the just-concluded series against India. He picked up four wickets for just 26 runs to help them win the series-opener by 34 runs. But while the Aussies went on to lose the series, Richardson managed to make a mark.

He ended the series as Australia’s top wicket-taker, picking up 6 wickets. Three out of his six wickets included that of the Indian captain Virat Kohli. What was even more impressive was his miserly economy rate of just 3.73. Against a team that boasts the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, MS Dhoni and Kohli, conceding less than 4 per over is really commendable. Richardson impressed one and all with his pace and accuracy.

Soon after the conclusion of the ODI series, he earned his maiden Test call-up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Not picked in the side initially, Richardson replaced injured Josh Hazlewood in the squad. Prior to his ODI heroics, Richardson had also impressed in domestic cricket. He is the third leading wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield this season with 27 at an average of 19 in five matches. He has played only 11 first-class matches so far but has already picked up 49 wickets.

Manjrekar delighted

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, is delighted to see Richardson earn his maiden Test call-up. The cricketer-turned-commentator took to Twitter to hail the Australian selectors’ decision, saying that the bowler’s performance in ODIs made it clear that he can do well in Tests.

“Really happy to see Jhye Richardson in the Australian squad. One of those bowlers who show potential of being successful with the red ball while bowling with the white ball. Good luck to him! 👍,” he wrote.

Really happy to see Jhye Richardson in the Australian squad. One of those bowlers who show potential of being successful with the red ball while bowling with the white ball. Good luck to him! 👍#AUSvSRI

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 21, 2019

Meanwhile, the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka will get underway on January 24 in Brisbane.

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