Cricket Australia set to make shock contract calls as Todd Murphy returns while Jhye Richardson dumped
Cricket Australia are set to make a brutal call over a fringe Test paceman despite making his long-awaited return to the Australian team over the summer.
Cricket Australia are set to make a brutal call over a fringe Test paceman Jhye Richardson, despite making his long-awaited return to the Australian team over the summer.
Richardson played his first Test match in three years over the summer after being recalled for the helter-skelter Boxing Day Test, where he took 2-30.
However, according to reports in the Herald Sun, the 29-year-old is set to be left off the central-contract list despite the mountain of work put into getting him back into the international arena.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It’s an incredibly harsh call for Richardson, who has barely put a foot wrong when fit, having taken 13 wickets at an average of 21 from his four Tests.
The move is also surprising given Australia’s packed schedule over the next 18 months, which will test Australia’s bowling depth, given Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins barely featured this summer.
Richardson had said he was hopeful of being offered another CA deal just last week when speaking at an event to celebrate Optus Stadium being locked in to host the first of a four-Test series against New Zealand starting in December.
“CA’s communication has always been really good,” he said.
“I think it’s just something we need to wait for. I’m sure it’ll come out in due course.
“Things can change really quickly, the pathway can change really quickly, plans can change really quickly, so you just have to be adaptable as a player with the staff at Cricket Australia and see what that management looks like.”
Victorian spinner Todd Murphy is set to come back on the list in a huge vote of confidence by selectors, having fallen off the list last year despite finishing the Sheffield Shield season well behind WA tweaker Corey Rocchiccili, taking just 19 wickets at 30.52 compared to the WA star’s 38 wickets at 28.10.
Cooper Connolly has also reportedly missed out on a contract after an underwhelming Twenty20 World Cup.
Under pressure, opener Jake Weatherald is also set to be included despite his poor Ashes, while 36-year-old Michael Neser will be rewarded with a contract after stepping up in the absence of Australia’s other stars over the summer.
Brendan Doggett will also be added after making his Test debut in the first Ashes Test.
