Australia has announced Kane Richardson as the replacement for injured Josh Hazlewood at upcoming limited overs series against India starting from 17th September. The young fast bowler Hazelwood was injured during the first test against Bangladesh played at Mirpur, Dhaka due to the side strain. He has been ruled out of the second test at Chittagong from 3rd September.
Kane Richardson made his ODI debut on 13th January 2013 against Sri Lanka. Since his debut, he has played a total of 12 One day internationals taking 14 wickets. His best figure has been 5/68 against India in 2016 against Canberra. Richardson is not a regular member of Australian limited overs side. Josh Hazlewood is a big blow for the Australian side for upcoming limited overs series against a strong Indian side.
Richardson has played only 3 T20 matches for Australia. He has been playing for domestic sides in Australia since a long time.
“I”m a bit of a realist and know it takes a few injuries to get the nod,” Richardson said. “But it”s always nice to get an opportunity to play for Australia. I”m not going to turn that down but there”s obviously three or four first-line bowlers that are injured at the moment.
“There”s always pressure when you play for Australia. If you don”t perform you”ve got to go back to your state and do it,” he said. “I”m still 26. I want to play Test cricket more than anything. If performances in one-day cricket help that goal – but in saying that, there”s Chadd Sayers, Daniel Worrall, Jason Behrendorff… there”s a lot of quicks around that want it as much as you do.”
Australia lost the first Test against Bangladesh by 20 runs on the fourth day. With Mitchell Starc, James Pattison, Josh Hazlewood injured, it gives the young Kane Richardson to perform well in tough conditions. The 5 match ODI series will be followed by 3 matches T20 series.
The youngster has played for Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League history.
He has the experience of bowling in Indian conditions. With 3 top bowlers ruled out of the series, Kane Richardson needs to come up with something special and contain top quality Indian batting line up.
Australia ODI squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.
Australia T20 squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Jason Behrendorff, Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa.