Chennai
Despite being shorter than each member of the Aussie pace quintet, the right-arm firebrand zips the ball with absolute venom.
But the Western Australian lad has toned his speed down a little because of the rehabilitation he is undergoing following a dislocated shoulder. “I am bowling decent pace. It (delivering the ball fast) is probably going to take a little while and it’s the last thing I need to work on to get back to 100 percent,” said Richardson, who is part of the National Development squad which has made its way to the MRF Pace Foundation here.
The 22-year-old injured his shoulder in an ODI against Pakistan in UAE in March. As he failed to recover in time for the World Cup in England and Wales, he was withdrawn from the squad and was replaced by namesake Kane Richardson. Talking about his return after a long lay-off, Richardson stated, “It’s been five months post the injury, it (the process) has been quite slow. But, it’s going really well and I am ready to play over here. Everything is taking a step in the right direction, having had some serious setbacks in the grand scheme of things. I am still going OK.”
Although he missed cricket’s biggest spectacle, the Perth Scorchers player continues to stay in the right frame of mind. “To remain positive, I set some goals. If I am able to achieve it, it’s great. If I am not able to, I try to make the next one happen. That’s what I have been doing since the lead-up to the World Cup,” remarked Richardson.
Cricket Australia (CA) added Richardson to the touring party only a week ago, with him travelling from Down Under to up his fitness. CA primarily wanted him to push for a spot in the fag end of the Ashes, but the fast bowler confirmed he will play no part in the five-match series. “I am targeting domestic cricket for sure. If I play well there, I may be able to represent Australia in the summer. I want to feature in State cricket back home and havefun doing that.”
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