Will Jhye Richardson Join Australia’s Squad for the Boxing Day Test?
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Synopsis
Jhye Richardson's potential inclusion in Australia's XI for the Boxing Day Test brings excitement ahead of the Ashes series. After recovering from shoulder surgery, he showcased his skills against the England Lions, and with key players injured, his comeback could be pivotal for Australia’s bowling lineup.
Key Takeaways
- Jhye Richardson is recovering from shoulder surgery.
- His strong performance against the England Lions has put him in contention for selection.
- Captain Pat Cummins may miss the Boxing Day Test.
- Nathan Lyon is ruled out due to injury, creating a vacancy in the squad.
- Todd Murphy is the leading candidate to replace Lyon.
New Delhi, Dec 22 (NationPress) The right-arm fast bowler Jhye Richardson is on the verge of being named in the starting XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series, following his recovery from shoulder surgery.
After undergoing the procedure in January, Richardson made his return to competitive cricket last month with his club, Fremantle. He also had the opportunity to train with the Test squad before the series opener in Perth, and played for both a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A against the England Lions.
Richardson seized an excellent opportunity to showcase his skills for a Test recall, taking 4 wickets for 35 runs against the England Lions, as he was integrated into Australia’s Test bowling lineup ahead of the third Ashes Test.
With captain Pat Cummins likely to miss the Melbourne Test, and possibly the remainder of the series, this development creates a spot in the pace attack, putting Richardson in a prime position for selection.
His recent call-up to practice in front of the coaching staff emphasizes that he remains an integral part of Australia’s plans, despite his last Test appearance in December 2022.
Furthermore, with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon sidelined for the series due to a hamstring injury, Australia must find a suitable replacement for the 141-Test veteran.
Todd Murphy is expected to be the leading candidate to fill Lyon’s role, alongside Corey Rocchiccioli, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitch Swepson, and Cooper Connolly.
Murphy, who made his Test debut at the age of 22 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India in 2023, impressed with a remarkable 7 wickets for 124 runs on debut and dismissed Virat Kohli four times during the series.
He was brought in as Lyon's replacement during the 2023 Ashes and returned to the Test side against Sri Lanka in January, claiming one wicket in Australia’s innings triumph.
Point of View
Jhye Richardson's potential return to Australia's Test squad is a significant development. His recovery and performance offer hope for the team's bowling lineup, especially with the current injury challenges. As always, the focus remains on maintaining the team’s competitive edge in the Ashes series.
NationPress
23/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jhye Richardson's injury history?
Jhye Richardson underwent shoulder surgery in January and made his return to cricket last month.
Who will replace Nathan Lyon in the squad?
Todd Murphy is likely the frontrunner to replace Nathan Lyon, who is out due to a hamstring injury.
What performance did Richardson have against the England Lions?
Richardson took 4 wickets for 35 runs in his match against the England Lions, strengthening his case for selection.
When was Richardson's last Test appearance?
Richardson last played a Test match in December 2022.
What impact could Richardson's return have?
His inclusion could significantly bolster Australia's bowling attack, especially with key players injured.
