The Western Australia and Perth Scorchers quick has endured a frustrating few years with recurring shoulder issues but revealed that his right shoulder now feels stronger and more stable than it has in a long time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe shoulder is presenting stable at the moment, so that\u2019s all we can ask for after the issues that I\u2019ve had over the last four or five years,\u201d Richardson told cricket.com.au at the BBL kit launch in Melbourne. \u201cTo have a stable shoulder currently is certainly a new feeling \u2026 hopefully it stays that way.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Richardson first dislocated his bowling shoulder while fielding during an ODI in 2019. After repeated problems, including another dislocation while celebrating a wicket in a Sheffield Shield match last November, he ultimately chose surgery in January to stabilise the joint. The decision followed discussions with Australian men\u2019s head coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins during his brief time in the Test squad last summer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cPatty actually made a really good point to me, which probably tipped me over the edge to get surgery,\u201d Richardson said. \u201c(He asked), \u2018What would I regret more post my career; would I regret staying the same knowing what I\u2019ve got with my shoulder and what I\u2019m dealing with, or would I regret not throwing everything at it and wondering what could have been?\u2019<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo that was probably the main one for me to go and get it done and at least now, if for whatever reason it doesn\u2019t work, at least I know that I\u2019ve thrown everything at it and given it the best shot.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nine months after the operation, the 29-year-old has resumed bowling off his full run-up and says he is making steady progress. \u201cI\u2019m off my full run now, bowling in the nets competitively so that\u2019s a good start,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom where I was three or four weeks ago and I was struggling to bowl 90 to 100kph, so I\u2019m making good progress and the only limiting factor is just getting the ball speed back, which will come.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Richardson plans to build up his bowling load through club cricket for Fremantle and Western Australia\u2019s Second XI, with aims to participate in the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield before the Big Bash League. A Test comeback remains possible if his recovery continues smoothly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nine months after the operation, the 29-year-old has resumed bowling off his full run-up and says he is making steady progress. \u201cI\u2019m off my full run now, bowling in the nets competitively so that\u2019s a good start,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom where I was three or four weeks ago and I was struggling to bowl 90 to 100kph, so I\u2019m making good progress and the only limiting factor is just getting the ball speed back, which will come.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suppose a national recall doesn\u2019t materialise in time for the Ashes. In that case, Richardson is expected to make his competitive return with the Perth Scorchers, who open their BBL 15 campaign against the Sydney Sixers on December 14.<\/p>\r\n\r\n