Richardson on track for BBL finals, Marsh for WA return

Jhye Richardson’s recovery from a hamstring injury is “ahead of schedule” as the Perth Scorchers quick remained confident of returning in time for the KFC BBL finals.

Richardson made an electric start to BBL|12, snaring 15 wickets in the Scorchers’ first seven games to put his side in the running for a record-extending fifth Big Bash title.

However the exciting quick, who has represented Australia in all three formats, was cruelled by yet another injury in Perth’s January 4 loss to the Thunder at home despite another exciting performance.

Speaking to Channel Seven during the Scorcher’s victory over Hobart Hurricanes on Wednesday evening, Richardson said things had progressed well and he was on-track for a return ahead of the BBL finals series starting on January 27.

“Tracking really good, actually,” Richardson said.

“I had a bowl off the full run (up) on Monday and have a competitive net (session) tomorrow, so probably a little ahead of schedule.

“Having said that, finals is going to be the aim for me here, and hopefully we book in a home final – playing out here in Perth would be lovely.”

In recent years Richardson has suffered various injuries at often unfortunate times, halting his push for a central contract and permanent place in Australia’s Test and white-ball squads.

After a five-wicket haul against England in Adelaide during Australia’s 4-0 Ashes triumph last summer, Richardson was hampered by a shin complaint which paved the way for Scott Boland to make his Test debut.

Since debuting for Australia in a T20 against Sri Lanka almost six years ago, the 26 year-old has played three Tests and 33 white-ball matches for his country.

The injury news was similarly positive for Scorchers teammate Mitch Marsh, who confirmed that his recovery from an ankle injury was tracking well.

While the Australia T20 star won’t be back for the KFC BBL|12 finals, he has targeted a late February return for Western Australia in the Marsh Cup.

Marsh underwent keyhole surgery on his left ankle to remove loose bone fragments and repair cartilage on December 1.

“I had my first running session today, which was really good,” Marsh told Fox Cricket on Wednesday night while watching the Scorchers’ win.

“I felt really nice to get back into that … I’ve got a bit of work to do, but the ankle’s feeling great and I’m hopeful to be back playing in about five or six weeks, (on) February 26 for WA. I'm looking forward to that.”

That match, a March Cup clash against Tasmania in Hobart, is WA’s final one-day match of the regular season, and the hard-hitting right-hander joked he would be around if his side – who comfortably sit atop the ladder in the domestic 50-over tournament – qualify for the final.

“Yeah (that’s) the last domestic one-day game for us, and then I'll parachute in for another final which would be great.”

Western Australia have made four of the past five men’s domestic one-day finals, winning three titles throughout this period.

Marsh made an unbeaten 80 in the 2017-18 final to be crowned player of the match.