World Cup 2019: Jhye Richardson ruled out of the tournament; replacement named

Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson has been ruled out of the forthcoming 2019 World Cup after failing to recover from a shoulder injury. They have recalled Kane Richardson to replace the injured pacer in the World Cup squad. Jhye was in a race against time to get fit for the tournament after suffering the injury but the Australian selectors have now decided against risking him as the ICC event is followed by Ashes.

The right-arm pacer had sustained the injury during the series against Pakistan in UAE in March. He had injured his shoulder while fielding in the second ODI. Richardson managed to avoid any surgery on his shoulder but recent scans made Cricket Australia’s medical staff to state that he would not be ready to bowl at the tournament.

The team’s physiotherapist David Beakley revealed that Richardson was not recovering quickly which convinced the medical staff that he is not ready for the World Cup. “This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation.

“After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required and therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad. Jhye will continue with his rehabilitation and we will look to resume bowling in the coming week,” Beakley said according to Cricbuzz.

Losing Richardson a big blow

Jhye Richardson was in superb form this year after making a comeback to the national team. So far, he has taken 24 wickets in 12 matches at 26.33 and had an impressive tour of India a couple of months ago. Richardson is now focusing on the Australia A’s tour of England which is scheduled before the Ashes. His replacement, Kane, meanwhile, will be looking to make the most of the opportunity. He will take care of the pace department along with the likes of Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc

Kane, who was the highest wicket-taker in last Big Bash League season, has been called up ahead of Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood was the other pacer confirmed as a reserve when the squad was named last month. However, the Australia Test vice-captain is yet to bowl at full speed after recovering from a back injury. The Men in Yellow, meanwhile, will open their World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on June 1.

Australia’s updated World Cup preliminary squad:

Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

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