Jhye Richardson is edging closer to a long-awaited return to Australia’s Test squad, with the fast bowler firmly in contention for selection ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG following a successful recovery from shoulder surgery.
With the Ashes already secured after the Adelaide victory, Australia are set to freshen up their attack. Pat Cummins is expected to miss Melbourne and possibly the remainder of the series, creating an opening in the pace line-up. While Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser — who impressed earlier in the summer — remain in the mix, Richardson is understood to be very close to earning serious consideration.
Richardson had trained with the Test group before the Adelaide Test but was not formally named in the squad. Now, with Cummins likely sidelined and rotation firmly on the agenda, selectors appear ready to revisit their long-held belief that Richardson could play a role in the latter stages of the Ashes.
Australia must also address Nathan Lyon’s absence after his series-ending hamstring injury. Todd Murphy is the leading candidate to step in, though Corey Rocchiccioli is pushing for a maiden call-up, while Matt Kuhnemann’s strong overseas performances keep him in the conversation.
If Richardson is officially recalled, the timing would be poignant. It would mark exactly one year since his last Test inclusion, also for a Boxing Day match — against India — after which he opted for shoulder surgery to resolve persistent issues that sidelined him for almost 12 months.
His return has been carefully managed. Richardson worked his way back through grade cricket, then appeared for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions before stepping up his workload with Australia A. Across that fixture, he bowled 26 overs and claimed five wickets, a sign that his rhythm and durability were returning.
He missed Perth Scorchers’ opening BBL match while embedded with the Test squad but made an immediate impact on his return, striking with his very first ball against Brisbane Heat to remove Colin Munro. Only a no-ball denied him a second wicket.
Despite his talent, Richardson’s Test career has been heavily disrupted by injury. Since debuting in 2018-19, he has played just three Tests, taking 11 wickets at an impressive average of 22.09. Australia’s selectors have long viewed him as a bowler capable of thriving at the highest level if his body allows it.
Cummins, who starred on his return in Adelaide, acknowledged that his own workload would now be reassessed with the urn safely retained. “We had a pretty aggressive build-up knowing that it’s the Ashes there to be won,” he said. “Now that the series has been won, there might be a sense of job’s done and let’s reassess the risk.”
However, rotation is unlikely to extend to everyone. Cummins made it clear that, fitness permitting, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland would be difficult to sideline. “Good luck to anyone telling Starcy or even Scotty Boland that they’re going to miss a Boxing Day Test if they’re fully fit,” he said.
Selection debates extend beyond the bowling attack. Steven Smith is set to resume the captaincy in Cummins’ absence, provided he has fully recovered from the vertigo issues that troubled him in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja’s fluent 82 on recall may have secured his spot, potentially at the expense of Josh Inglis.
As Australia look to fine-tune their combination with the Ashes already in the cabinet, Richardson’s looming return stands out as one of the most intriguing storylines — a chance for a gifted fast bowler to finally enjoy a sustained run on the Test stage.
