Star Perth Scorchers paceman Jhye Richardson says he's unsure when he'll be able to throw properly again, but he'll be ready to fire on the international stage when Australia come knocking.
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Richardson has been the standout bowler of the BBL campaign so far, snaring a competition-high 21 wickets at the incredible average of 11.52.
The 24-year-old's hot run continued on Tuesday night when he snared 2-10 off three overs in Perth's crushing 59-run win over the Brisbane Heat at Marvel Stadium.
What makes Richardson's form even more special is the fact it has come on the back of serious shoulder surgery.
Richardson is almost certain to be picked for Australia's upcoming five-match T20 tour of New Zealand, with any doubts about his ability to perform after surgery now extinguished.
"After such a long recovery, you always have a little bit of anxiety around not getting back to where you were before," he said.
"But once I got out there that first time all those nerves went away, because it gave me that reassurance that I could do it again. All that anxiety is gone now."
One notable weakness in Richardson's game is his throwing in the field.
With his right shoulder still not fully healed, Richardson returns the ball in a bowling-style action when it comes to him.
He says it's an unknown as to when he will be able to throw properly again.
"It's not even been eight or nine months post surgery. I've spoken to other guys who have had that surgery, and it takes two years to get back throwing," Richardson said.
The Heat have some soul searching to do after being skittled for 115 against the Scorchers.
But one positive to come out of the game was the form of South African veteran Morne Morkel, who starred with figures of 2-24.
It was only Morkel's second game back following a serious ankle injury and a horror stretch of quarantine.
"I did close to six weeks of quarantining, and then limited training," Morkel said.
He said he did two weeks of quarantine in Sydney after returning from the UK, then two more weeks at the NSW-Queensland border.
The Heat then headed to Canberra before a nine-day break.
"So I went to Sydney for a day to fetch the family, and then the Northern Beaches COVID cases popped up and I had to do another two weeks on the border," he said.
"So that was pretty frustrating. Mentally it was a big challenge. But I'm just happy with the way I'm bowling at the moment."
Australian Associated Press
