Big Bash League: Perth Scorchers seamer Jhye Richardson season over, set to undergo more shoulder surgery

West Australian quick Jhye Richardson will go back under the knife for more surgery on his shoulder, a move that ends his summer. Richardson will have surgery this week on a troublesome shoulder after he dislocated it in a bizarre incident while playing Sheffield Shield in November. The decision was made by Richardson as part of a long consultation with Cricket Australia staff, because he is nationally-contracted. And it was made with an eye towards next summer’s Ashes series, which Richardson could play a role in. The 28-year-old quick spent time with the Test squad for the final two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. Richardson has been ruled out of Perth Scorchers’ must-win clash with Sydney Thunder on Monday night. The West Australian understands WA quick Bryce Jackson, who travelled with the squad to Sydney for its double-header, will be unveiled as Richardson’s local replacement player later on Sunday. “After careful consideration and many discussions with my medical team, I’ve made the decision to undergo shoulder surgery to improve stability and reduce risk of future injury,” Richardson said in a statement. “For the past few years, I have been limited by my shoulder and in the field and know how increasingly important it is to be capable to back up my teammates. “While it’s a tough call, especially as it means I won’t be able to finish the season with the Scorchers, this is the best option to set me up for a strong and healthy return to cricket.” In the statement, released by Cricket Australia and WA Cricket on Sunday, Richardson said the timing of the surgery was “critical” because it will allow him to play Sheffield Shield cricket early next summer ahead of the Ashes series. That’s despite the Scorchers’ season ending either on Saturday against Adelaide Strikers at Optus Stadium, or days later during the finals series. “The timing of the surgery is crucial to ensure I have the best possible build-up, including shield cricket leading into next summer. “I’ll be giving everything I’ve got to the rehab process, determined to come back as the best version of myself. “Thanks for all the support and I can’t wait to be back stronger for summer 2025-2026.” The paceman has played three Tests for Australia, but not since the 2021 Ashes series. National team bosses have maintained the Scorchers star is part of their planning across formats and stuck by him with a central contract again this summer. There had been a growing frustration in WA around how closely Richardson had been managed and his lack of cricket this summer. He played five games in the Big Bash League for Perth, four one-day games for his State and just one first-class game. His latest shoulder scare came after taking a second wicket in as many balls during a shield clash with South Australia at Adelaide Oval. As he ran off towards the slips to celebrate, his shoulder popped out while high-fiving a teammate.