Australia pacer Jhye Richardson ruled out of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Jhye Richardson had made an impressive impression on the international stage during Australia’s series against India in January 2019. The young right-arm pacer got rid of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in all the three games of the series and made a big impression. Although Australia lost the series 1-2, Richardson was touted for greater things. However, during the series against Pakistan, Richardson fell awkwardly and dislocated his shoulder and his World Cup participation was in doubt. However, the youngsters worst fears came true after recent tests revealed that Richardson had not recovered from the injury in time.

“This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation process. After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required. Therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad,” Australia team physiotherapist David Beakley said.

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Richardson has played just one ODI for Australia in the last couple of months and it came in the series against Pakistan which Australia won 5-0. In 20 ODIs, he has taken 29 wickets and his best haul of 5/68 came against India in Canberra in 2016. However, Josh Hazlewood has been overlooked for the tournament yet again with the pacer apparently suffering a back injury.

When the squad was announced last month, chief selector Trevor Hohns said the focus was on having Hazlewood ready for the Ashes Test series in England which begins in August. He was instead named in Australia's one-day A squad, which will play games in England while the World Cup is on. Both Jhye Richarson and Hazlewood will be hoping to be fit and ready for the five-match Ashes series against England which begins immediately after the World Cup. Australia will open their campaign against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.

Australia updated World Cup squad

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

HIGHLIGHTS

• Australia will begin their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against Afghanistan.
• Jhye Richardson suffered a shoulder injury in the series against Pakistan.
• Kane Richardson has played just one ODI in the entire three months.