Jhye Richardson replaces injured Josh Hazlewood for 2nd Ashes Test
Wednesday, 15 December 2021 (13:20 IST)
Melbourne: Australia captain Pat Cummins on Wednesday confirmed playing XI for the Ashes Pink Ball Test. Pacer Jhye Richardson replaced Josh Hazelwood, who has been sidelined due to a side strain.
The day-night Test match is scheduled to take place at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide from December 16 to 20.
Speaking to media, Cummins revealed Jhye Richardson would replace the injured Josh Hazlewood and also declared that David Warner to play through the pain at Adelaide Oval.
Warner was in doubt for the second Test after suffering badly bruised ribs in the Ashes opener at the Gabba but Australia are confident the batting stalwart will be right to go.
Richardson won the race against Michael Neser for selection, with the Queenslander’s long wait for a Test debut continuing.
Blessed with the ability to move the ball at serious pace, Richardson’s two Tests to date both came in 2019 with a run of injuries hampering his career.
Richardson left his mark on his two outings, taking six wickets at 20.50 against Sri Lanka. He has been in serious form in Australia’s Sheffield Shield this summer, with 23 wickets at 13.43 so far this season.
Warner's inclusion means Usman Khawaja's wait for a Test return continues, having last played at the 2019 Ashes.
"He'll be right," Cummins said of Warner. "He had a bat yesterday, batted with a bit of discomfort but knowing Davey, he's not going to miss this one. Once adrenaline and everything kicks in, (he'll be) a little bit sore but he'll be fine.
It's one thing batting in the nets but another thing when you walk out and it's a packed crowd. I don't think he had any kind of painkillers or anything yesterday."
"He's played close to 90 Tests, I'm sure a lot of them have been played in discomfort or with (niggles) going into the game. He'll be fine tomorrow," he added.
Australia XI: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson. (UNI)
