Jhye Richardson Targets Ashes Comeback After Shoulder Injury Recovery

Australian pacer Jhye Richardson has returned to bowling after undergoing his third surgery on his right shoulder in January. The 28-year-old hopes to make his comeback in the Sheffield Shield season, which starts in seven weeks.

While his chances of playing in the Ashes series beginning November 21 are slim, Richardson has not ruled it out.

“We’re not counting out Ashes cricket, but there’s a long process that has started and has been ongoing, and there is a lot to go through before then. Things are looking good for the summer, and I should be up and ready to go” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Richardson last played a Test in the previous Ashes in Australia, where he took his first five-wicket haul in Adelaide. Since then, injuries and mental health challenges have kept him largely out of the game. He underwent a hamstring operation in 2024 and has played only four first-class matches since his last Test. His most recent outing was in November 2024, when he dislocated his shoulder while celebrating a wicket.

Speaking about his first bowling session since the surgery, Richardson admitted to some rust.

“Some were good, some were bad, and some hit the side net. I was a little bit rusty, but it’s good signs. We’re hitting the milestones that we planned out at the start, and while it has been really slow, things are looking good,” he said.

Richardson has played 36 matches for Australia across formats, taking 57 wickets at an average of 27.92. In Tests, he has 11 wickets in three matches at 22.09, including his best figures of 5 for 42.

With a careful build-up planned, Richardson’s focus remains on being fully fit for the summer, with the Ashes a hopeful but distant target.