Oz's Richardson eyes return to competitive cricket after shoulder injury

Australia fast bowler Jhye Richardson is nearing a long-awaited return to competitive cricket after recovering from shoulder surgery, with hopes of being available for the later stages of the Ashes series if Australia need fast-bowling reinforcements.

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The Western Australia and Perth Scorchers quick has endured a frustrating few years with recurring shoulder issues but revealed that his right shoulder now feels stronger and more stable than it has in a long time.

"The shoulder is presenting stable at the moment, so that's all we can ask for after the issues that I've had over the last four or five years," Richardson told cricket.com.au at the BBL kit launch in Melbourne.

"To have a stable shoulder currently is certainly a new feeling... hopefully it stays that way."

Richardson first dislocated his bowling shoulder while fielding during an ODI in 2019. After repeated problems, including another dislocation while celebrating a wicket in a Sheffield Shield match last November, he ultimately chose surgery in January to stabilise the joint.

The decision followed discussions with Australian men’s head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins during his brief time in the Test squad last summer.