Jhye Richardson returns as Pat Cummins reveals Australia’s playing XI for the 2nd Ashes Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins has revealed the playing XI of his team for the upcoming second Test of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 against England. The second Test, which will be played with the Pink Ball under the lights, is set to begin on December 16 at the Adelaide Oval.

The hosts have made only one change in the form of speedster Jhye Richardson as a replacement of pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has been sidelined due to a side strain.

Richardson has made a splendid comeback to red-ball cricket after two years of shoulder issues. The Western Australian showed red-hot form during the opening rounds of this season’s Marsh Sheffield Shield, taking 23 wickets in just four matches.

“He (Richardson) was on the verge of an Ashes series and a World Cup before he had his shoulder injury. He’s worked incredibly hard, had a great start to his year for WA. We think he’s firing. He’s got more control, all the skills, and is a little bit older. He can swing the ball both ways, he’s faster than you think. He’s really consistent. In Shield cricket, he’s bowled 20 overs for 20 runs in some matches. We feel really confident Jhye is going to step straight in,” Cummins told reporters.

Richardson was the only change to the Australian team, with Cummins completely backing opener David Warner who had injured his rib during the Ashes opener in Brisbane. Warner didn’t face any bowlers in the net session on Tuesday night in Adelaide, but Cummins reckoned the ‘pocket dynamite’ would be completely fine once he enters the Adelaide stadium.

“He’ll be right. He had a bat yesterday, batted with a bit of discomfort but knowing Davey, he’s not going to miss this one. Once adrenaline and everything kicks in, (he’ll be) a little bit sore, but he’ll be fine.

“It’s one thing batting in the nets but another thing when you walk out, and it’s a packed crowd. I don’t think he had any kind of painkillers or anything yesterday. He’s played close to 90 Tests, I’m sure a lot of them have been played in discomfort or with (niggles) going into the game. He’ll be fine tomorrow,” Cummins added further.

Here is Australia’s playing XI for the 2nd Ashes Test:

Pat Cummins (c), Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson