Melbourne, Oct 9 (NationPress) Australia’s fast bowler Jhye Richardson is on the verge of making a highly anticipated return to competitive cricket following his recovery from shoulder surgery. He is optimistic about being available for the latter stages of the Ashes series if Australia requires additional fast-bowling support.

The quick from Western Australia and Perth Scorchers has faced a challenging few years due to ongoing shoulder issues, but he has shared that his right shoulder now feels stronger and more stable than it has in a significant amount of time.

“The shoulder feels stable at the moment, which is all we can hope for after the troubles I’ve encountered over the last four or five years,” Richardson disclosed to cricket.com.au during the BBL kit launch in Melbourne. “Experiencing a stable shoulder is a refreshing sensation … hopefully, it remains that way.”

Richardson first dislocated his bowling shoulder while fielding in an ODI back in 2019. After ongoing problems, including another dislocation while celebrating a wicket in a Sheffield Shield match last November, he ultimately opted for surgery in January to stabilize the joint. This decision followed discussions with Australian men’s head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins during his brief stint in the Test squad last summer.

“Patty made a very insightful point, which was likely the deciding factor for me to undergo surgery,” Richardson remarked. “(He asked), ‘What would I regret more after my career; staying the same knowing what I’ve dealt with regarding my shoulder, or not fully committing to it and wondering what might have been?’

“That was the primary reason for me to proceed with the surgery. At least now, if it doesn’t work for any reason, I can be confident that I’ve given it my all.”

Now, nine months post-surgery, the 29-year-old has resumed bowling off his full run-up and expresses that he is making notable progress. “I’m currently bowling in the nets at full run, which is an excellent start,” he stated. “Considering where I was three or four weeks ago, struggling to bowl at 90 to 100kph, I’m pleased with my progress. The only limiting factor right now is regaining my ball speed, which will come.”

Richardson aims to increase his bowling workload through club cricket for Fremantle and Western Australia’s Second XI, with aspirations to participate in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield before the Big Bash League. A return to Test cricket remains a possibility if his recovery continues to go well.

“Ideally, participating in Test cricket would be fantastic,” he mentioned. “That’s been my goal for a long time, but it’s a session-by-session approach, depending on how I feel. I can’t rush these processes; recovery is rarely linear, but things are looking promising right now.”

If a national recall doesn’t happen in time for the Ashes, Richardson is expected to make his competitive return with the Perth Scorchers, who kick off their BBL 15 campaign against the Sydney Sixers on December 14.