Concerns for Jhy Richardson, Mitchell Starc in ‘pristine condition’
Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson remain in the World Cup frame as concerns linger over pace ace Jhye Richardson’s shoulder.
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Josh Hazlewood and Kane Richardson remain in the World Cup frame as concerns linger over pace ace Jhye Richardson’s shoulder.
But 2015 World Cup hero Mitchell Starc is in “pristine condition” as Australia ramps up its preparation, starting with Monday’s practice match against a weakened New Zealand in Brisbane.
Starc surged back to form with 10 wickets in a Test against Sri Lanka but tore a pectoral muscle during that match and has not been sighted since.
The left-arm quick bowled off a long run up at training on Friday to allay fears he was in doubt for the World Cup opener against Afghanistan on June 1 in Bristol.
“There’s really positive feedback coming through NSW, where he’s been bowling. He’s in pristine condition,” coach Justin Langer said of Starc in Brisbane on Friday. “We just have to make sure his pec is coming good.
“Like with all our bowlers, we’ll manage him through to make sure he’s absolutely ready to go for the first game against Afghanistan.”
But Richardson, who coach Justin Langer hailed a “shining light” as he burst on to the international scene this year, is still struggling with the right shoulder he dislocated on March 24.
“There’s probably a bit more of a cloud over (Richardson) to be honest,” Langer said on Friday.
“But again, he’s played a lot of cricket in the build up to his accident. He’s doing everything possible with his rehab. He’s a little ripper.
“We’ll just keep monitoring him and hopefully make it a bit more clear for you guys either at the start of next week or just before we go away.”
Richardson, 22, avoided surgery and trained by himself on Friday as he continues to strengthen his shoulder.
Hazlewood, Kane Richardson as well as Sean Abbott and Michael Neser joined the World Cup attack bowling in the nearby nets at Allan Border Field.
Richardson has taken 24 wickets in 12 ODIs this year, forming a lethal new-ball partnership with Pat Cummins.
Spin king Shane Warne believes Richardson bowls “a perfect length” for English conditions and his absence would be a blow to Langer’s pace cartel.
Australia has until May 23 to make changes to its 15-man squad without a medical certificate.
Hazlewood and Kane Richardson did not make the cut but were selected for Australia A, which will play five one-day games against English County teams concurrently with the World Cup.
If Australia suffers an injury during the World Cup it can quickly draft in players from Australia A.
Langer’s team plays New Zealand tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday before jetting to England via a camp in Gallipoli.
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