Jhye Richardson is set to play his first match in Australia since January, having been included in the Perth Scorchers' squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin.
Richardson is the most notable player in a Scorchers squad that primarily consists of younger players from the fringes of the BBL, Western Australia teams, and the WA academy.
Richardson, who received a Cricket Australia contract in March, has not appeared in domestic games since injuring himself during the BBL. He made a single appearance for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year. Though he participated in an Australia training camp in Brisbane this week, he was not selected for next month’s tour of Scotland and England. The selectors are taking a longer-term approach to help him overcome the injury issues that have affected his international career. He was previously in line for an ODI return against the West Indies last season before suffering a side strain.
National selector George Bailey commented last month, "He's fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities. I think he'll get opportunities again across the summer."
Richardson will be joined by fellow fast bowler Matt Kelly, whose season was also cut short by injury. Batter Sam Fanning will captain the squad, and Baxter Holt, who transferred from New South Wales to Western Australia, is also included.
Stand-in coach Tim MacDonald noted that the tournament represents a valuable chance for Jhye Richardson and Matt Kelly to regain form in a competitive setting. He acknowledged that both players had limited cricketing opportunities last year but emphasised their importance to the Scorchers and Western Australia. MacDonald expressed enthusiasm about seeing them return to action.
The Top End T20 tournament will also feature Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, and a Bangladesh High Performance side.