Melbourne: Australia's fast bowler Jhye Richardson on Wednesday was ruled out of the ICC World Cup owing to a dislocated shoulder. 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler Kane Richardson will replace him for the marquee tournament.
"This is obviously very disappointing news for the team and for Jhye, who has been exceptional throughout his rehabilitation," cricket.com.au, a division of Cricket Australia, quoted Australian team physiotherapist David Beakley as saying.
The physiotherapist said after assessing his fitness the decision was made in consultation with the selectors. "After his most recent assessment and attempting to bowl in the nets, it was clear that Jhye was not progressing as fast as required and therefore, in consultation with selectors, we made the decision to withdraw him from the squad," Beakley said.
"Jhye will continue with his rehabilitation and we will look to resume bowling in the coming week," he added. The 22-year-old Jhye had been considered as an exciting prospect in England given his pace, swing and control, helping him in taking 24 wickets 12 ODIs.
Kane Richardson had been a part of Australia's recent tours of India and the UAE, in which they won both the ODI series. In March, Australia came back from 2-0 to win the series 3-2 against India. It was their first ODI series win in two years. Now, Kane all set to join World Cup fast-bowling contingent that includes Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc.
Defending champion Australia will play two warm-up matches against England and Sri Lanka at Southampton. Five-time World Champion Australia will start their campaign in World Cup against Afghanistan at Bristol on June 1.
Here is the Australia's squad-
Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa(UNI)