By Mohamed Bahaa

Jhye Richardson is set to make a significant return to competitive cricket with his first appearance on Australian soil since January. The promising fast bowler has been named in the Perth Scorchers squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin in the next few weeks.

Richardson’s inclusion in the squad is notable considering the numerous injury setbacks that have plagued his career. The Scorchers’ squad for this tournament is comprised primarily of emerging talent from the fringes of the Big Bash League (BBL) and Western Australian teams, as well as players from the WA Academy.

Richardson has struggled to get playing time since signing with Cricket Australia in March. He last appeared in the BBL before suffering an injury and his single appearance for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year failed to produce the hoped-for results. Despite these obstacles, Richardson remains a key figure in Australia’s cricket plans.

Richardson trained at the national camp in Brisbane this week but was not selected for the upcoming tour of Scotland and England. Australian selectors have opted for a cautious approach, aiming to give him enough time to fully recover from his injury problems. “He’s fit and firing at the moment and looking for match opportunities again,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again over the summer.”

In addition to Richardson, the Scorchers also see the return of fast bowler Matt Kelly, who also ended last season early due to injury. Sam Fanning has been appointed team captain, while Baxter Holt, a recent transfer from New South Wales to Western Australia, will also be in the squad.

The Top End T20 tournament will feature teams from Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and Bangladesh High Performance team. The event promises to provide a valuable platform for Richardson and his teammates to showcase their skills and reclaim their place in the cricketing world.