Australia have confirmed Jhye Richardson will miss this summer’s World Cup as he has failed to recover from a shoulder injury.
Cricket Australia announced on Wednesday that scans have shown the fast bowler has not made a full recovery from the right shoulder dislocation he suffered fielding during a limited-overs international against Pakistan in March and has therefore been withdrawn from the World Cup squad.
Australia’s team physiotherapist David Beakley was the bearer of the news, with Kane Richardson drafted in as his namesake’s replacement. “This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation process,” Beakley said in a statement.
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“After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required and therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad.” The news is not all negative for Australia, however, as former captain Steve Smith scored 89 against New Zealand in his second game back following a year-long ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.
It is the 29-year-old’s best score in more than two years in a 50-over match although fellow returnee David Warner did not fare so well as he was bowled out for a six-ball duck.
Australia went on to lose the match at Allan Border Field by seven wickets.
