BBL: Jhye Richardson in fine form for the Perth Scorchers

Jhye Richardson is focused on performing well for the Perth Scorchers, saying selection in the Australian team would be a `bonus’.

Jhye Richardson (second from left) celebrates with Scorchers teammates in the win over the Brisbane Heat. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Jhye Richardson has kept a lid on any potential Australian call-up after he extended his lead at the top of the BBL wicket-takers list with another impressive performance for the Perth Scorchers.

Richardson, who has played for Australia in all three formats, took 2-10 off three overs in a dominant display at Marvel Stadium against the Brisbane Heat on Tuesday night.

He has now taken 21 wickets in 11 games at an impressive average of 11.5 and an economy rate of just 6.3, ahead of his nearest rival in Adam Zampa (18 wickets).

Asked about a return to the Australian side, Richardson said his current focus was on BBL duties.

“I think playing for Australia is always a bonus and that’s always what you want to achieve,” he said.

“But what my focus is on is doing well for the Scorchers and hopefully staying up the top of the table to make finals, so that’s what I’ve got my eyes on at the moment, to make finals with the Scorchers and whatever happens after that will be.

“If I get picked for Australia, that’s a bonus.”

Australia is reportedly close to finalising details for the upcoming Test tour of South Africa, which they are expected to depart for in late February.

Back to winning ways! 💪 Check out all the action from last night's big win 🆚 Heat 🔥 #MADETOUGH #BBL10 pic.twitter.com/gh7bL3iOPY

— Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) January 20, 2021

Selectors are likely to take an extended squad given the difficulty of flying players in at short notice due to COVID-19 restrictions, which makes Richardson a strong early chance for a spot on the plane.

Due to a scheduling clash, Australia is also set to face New Zealand in five T20 internationals during that same period, which further broadens Richardson’s chances of a return to national colours.

The 24-year-old impressed in his debut Test series against Sri Lanka in early 2019, but shoulder injuries have curtailed his rise in the international game.

He admitted to feeling anxious prior to the start of the BBL season.

“After such a long recovery you always have a little bit of anxiety around not getting back to where you were before,” he said.

“Once I got out there for the first time, all those nerves sort of went away. It gave me that reassurance that I could do it again. All of that anxiety is gone now, and if my shoulder keeps progressing, then great.”