Kane Richardson is targeting a World T20 spot next year but wants to help Redbacks in Sheffield Shield
Kane Richardson says he must play to white ball strengths after winning selection in Australia’s latest T20 squad ahead of next year’s World Cup. But he is keen to help out whenever he can in injury-hit South Australia’s Sheffield Shield campaign.
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Kane Richardson believes in his white ball destiny entering next year’s Twenty20 World Cup but is desperate to shoulder the first-class load for injury-ravaged South Australia.
Richardson was included in Australia’s T20 squad for series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan with national chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns noting his “excellent short form” credentials.
Richardson is now a first choice Australian T20 speedster alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
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“It is nice to get the nod alongside those guys as I haven’t played a whole lot with them. It looks a really strong bowling unit on paper,” said Richardson, the leading BBL 2018-19 wicket-taker with 24 at 17.7 in Melbourne Renegades’ title triumph.
“I know my game well in the white ball stuff and T20 you have clear roles bowling at the death or power play.
“I am always available to play Sheffield Shield and want to win one with South Australia but have been most successful in the white ball formats.”
Richardson impressed with limited chances at this year’s World Cup in England and notes the series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan mark the run to a T20 World Cup at home.
“I think there are 20-odd games to go between now,” said Richardson who replaced an injured Jhye Richardson in Australia’s 2019 World Cup squad.
“Hopefully I can go about staying around the mark and trying to play a World Cup on home soil.”
Three South Australians — vice-captain Alex Carey, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and Richardson — could feature in the October 27 T20 series opener against Sri Lanka at Adelaide Oval.
“It is always nice to have some teammates in there,” he said.
Richardson will spearhead a Redbacks attack minus key injured paceman Chadd Sayers (back), Daniel Worrall (back) and Joe Mennie (hamstring) in their Shield season opener against Victoria starting Thursday at St Kilda.
Richardson will be available for one Shield match before national T20 commitments and wants to make it count.
“The positive is I get to play the first Shield game and lead the attack because Joe, Chadd and Frank are unavailable. Hopefully we can get a Shield win under our belt,” Richardson told The Advertiser.
Skipper Travis Head will target a Test recall against Pakistan at the Gabba while SA wants to atone for consecutive wooden spoons.
“We are coming off a tough year. Whatever the motivation — getting runs to get into the Test team — it doesn’t matter as long as we are coming together to win games,” he said.