3 minute read

Jhye Richardson has been replaced in Australia's World Cup squad by Kane Richardson, as the WA fast bowler continues his recovery from a shoulder dislocation.

Kane Richardson plans to be more than just a crafty death bowler after beating Josh Hazlewood in the race to replace Jhye Richardson at next month's World Cup.

West Australian Jhye is yet to return to bowling after a shoulder dislocation while fielding in an ODI in March, and on Wednesday was forced to shift his focus to August 1's Ashes Test opener.

South Australian Kane Richardson, six year's Jhye's senior at 28, was a near miss in Australia's World Cup squad four years ago and admitted even last month a berth in England seemed unlikely.

A prolific BBL campaign helped catapult him back into the frame, while his death bowling against Pakistan on the recent UAE tour impressed coach Justin Langer.

"In the UAE I think that's what JL was happy with, those two games I played right at the end in crunch time," Richardson, who has gone wicketless in two warm-up games in Brisbane this week, said.

"I think that's my strength but I want to be well-rounded bowler who can bowl at any stage of the innings.

"If I'm to play a role at the World Cup I've got to be able to do that as well."

Richardson will jostle with Nathan Coulter-Nile for the third seamer's spot behind spearheads Mitchell Starc and vice-captain Patrick Cummins when their defence begins on June 1 against Afghanistan in Bristol.

He won the ticket ahead of NSW quick Hazlewood, one of Australia's best ODI bowlers in the last two years with 17 wickets at 25.05.

Hazlewood hasn't played a one-dayer for Australia since November due to a back injury, with his lack of game time counting against him despite a strong showing at training in Brisbane this week.

Like Jhye Richardson he will target Australia A's tour of England in the lead-up to the Ashes.

"To be brutally honest it hasn't been that easy to accept; World Cups don't come around every day," Jhye Richardson said of his failed fitness bid.

"Absolutely it helps a lot knowing there's something just as big (the Ashes) around the corner.

"To have that to aim for puts a lot of clarity in my mind that playing for Australia is what I want to do."