Jhye Richardson Misses Out As Australia Announce Squad For New Zealand ODIs

Australia, on Wednesday, announced their squad for the upcoming ODI series at home against New Zealand. Fast-bowler Jhye Richardson, who is currently a part of the ODI squad for the series against South Africa, was a surprising omission from the squad. The pacer has not played for Australia since last March.

Richardson was also one of five fast bowlers picked in Australia’s squad for the T20 leg of the ongoing tour but has been overlooked for the first two games of the campaign. The three-match series is currently locked at 1-1. Richardson is unlikely to get into the playing eleven for the series-decider.

Australia have confirmed the original 14-player ODI squad for the South Africa tour, not including Richardson, will be retained for the three home ODIs against New Zealand next month. The pacer will be hoping that he gets a chance in the ODI series. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has also been confirmed as an addition to the ODI group.

“Jhye is performing exceptionally well, as we saw throughout the Big Bash,” said Australia’s selection chief Trevor Hohns. “He has slotted back into the T20 squad in South Africa and is pushing for a place in that side.

“We are very fortunate to have such a deep pool of fast bowlers. Jhye has earned his place after the hard work he has done to get back into his best form after serious injury.

“Keeping him in South Africa with the one-day squad gives us another exceptional fast bowler who is ready to go,” he added.

Australia ODI squad for home series against New Zealand:

Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey (vc), Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Also Read: Five Indian Players Who Might Make A Comeback In The ODI Series Against South Africa