Injury-prone Australian pace duo Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are set to make their domestic white-ball returns for Western Australia in the upcoming One-Day Cup. Morris, who has been sidelined since February with a side strain, has been named in WA’s 14-man squad for their opening matches against New South Wales and South Australia. Richardson, who has endured a string of hamstring and shoulder injuries in recent seasons, also returns to domestic 50-over cricket after playing in the IPL and Top End T20 Series over the winter.
Morris’s return is a cautious one, as he will likely only play one of the two matches next week. He will begin a gradual build-up towards a red-ball return, with the aim of being fit for the Sheffield Shield season in October. Richardson’s return is also a step forward, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Shield cricket next month.
Uncontracted spinner Ashton Agar has also been named in WA’s squad, along with veteran fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye. Cameron Bancroft is expected to keep wicket for WA in the absence of Josh Inglis, who is on national duty. Former WA opener Josh Philippe will face his old side for the first time on Sunday after moving to New South Wales.
WA is aiming to become the first men’s team in Australian One-Day domestic history to claim four consecutive titles. They have won five of the last seven tournaments and are looking to extend their dominance.
Elsewhere, Nathan Ellis and Riley Meredith will miss Tasmania’s opening two One-Day Cup matches due to injuries. Ellis is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while Meredith is undergoing a scan on a side injury sustained during Australia’s tour of the UK.
