Jhye Richardson’s World Cup In Doubt After He Suffers Shoulder Injury 1

Australia pacer Jhye Richardson’s World Cup hopes are now hanging by balance after he suffered a bad-looking shoulder injury on Sunday during the second ODI against Pakistan. The 22-year old has been ruled out of the remainder of the five-match series after he dislocated his right shoulder on the field during Pakistan’s innings.

Richardson suffered the injury on the fifth ball of the 11th over when he dived to his left in an attempt to save a boundary in the deep midwicket area. The right-arm pacer landed heavily on his right elbow before asking for medical help immediately. He was soon taken off the field by the medical staff as he could not move his right arm. Shortly after leaving the field he was pictured in the dressing room wearing a sling and gave an encouraging thumbs up to the camera.

Before leaving the field, Richardson, who is one of Australia’s most impressive pacers in recent months, had already picked up two wickets for just 16 runs inside five overs.  Richardson has now been sent home for scans.

Jhye Richardson’s World Cup In Doubt After He Suffers Shoulder Injury 2
Jhye Richardson (R) (Credits: Getty)

Speaking at the end of the game, Australia skipper Aaron Finch said:

“He’s in good spirits. His shoulder popped out a little bit. Unfortunate for the youngster. He’ll get home, have some scans and assess the damage.”

Cricket Australia is yet to announce the full extent of the injury but is expected to do it soon. All the teams will have to name their World Cup squads by April 23 although changes can be made after that until mid-May with ICC approval. The added problem for Richardson is that the injury is to his bowling arm. Australia will start their World Cup defence on June 1 against Afghanistan.

The reigning World Cup winners are in danger of going to England with a depleted pace attack. Their pace spearheads Mitchell Starc (torn pec) and Josh Hazlewood (back) are currently on the sidelines due to injuries and are in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.

Coming to the game, Australia beat Pakistan by eight wickets to go two nil up in the five-match series. Chasing 285, Australia rode on skipper Finch’s unbeaten ton to chase down the total inside 48 overs.