Tearaway quick Lance Morris has given an insight into Jhye Richardson's return to first-class cricket as Australia's fast-bowling depth continues to rise.
Both Western Australian men are likely to form part of Australia's bowling attack in the future, but will have to bide their time as Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland occupy spots.
Richardson ended a year-long hiatus on November 28 when he returned to the first-class arena with Western Australia, following problems with his shoulder, hamstring, heel and shin in recent years.
AS IT HAPPENED: Aussie discards blow chances in Test bat-off
READ MORE: 'Make no difference': Golf shake-up shredded
READ MORE: Mundine's truth as 'show biz' pushes Garside away
The 27-year-old took 4-36 and 1-27 to remind Australia's selectors of his talent. He last played Test cricket in December 2021.
Morris, whose workload has also been managed, missed the match but was excited to see his fellow fast bowler back in the red-ball arena.
"I absolutely loved seeing him out there, I think everyone stands a bit taller when they're alongside Jhye," Morris told Wide World of Sports at this week's BBL launch.
"He's had a really unfortunate run with his injuries, everyone knows when he's fit and on the park, he's an amazingly skillful player and he can impact a game like we saw up at the Gabba.
"He took four and didn't skip a beat when he rejoined the team, fingers crossed for him if he stays fit and firing for an extended period of time he'll play a lot of international cricket and he will do very well."
While Morris wasn't able to bowl in tandem with Richardson in Brisbane, he has rubbed shoulders with him in the one-day Marsh Cup.
Both men combined to dismantle Victoria on October 9, with Morris and Richardson taking two each with their rivals bowled out for 107. Western Australia went on to win the game by six wickets.
Morris explained there was definite "relief" for Richardson in his return.
"I got to see him play his first white-ball game at the WACA, I think there was just a bit of relief to feel like a cricketer again," he said.
"There can be some lonely rehab session in the four walls of your gym, to feel like you're actually doing what you're paid to be doing again is pretty amazing, speaking from personal experience.
"He was absolutely stoked to be back out there."
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.