Australian pacer Jhye Richardson has been ruled out of Australia's ODI series against India, putting in doubt his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season as well. The 26-year-old was signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) at his base price of Rs 1.5 Crores, but will most likely sit out the majority tournament for the side who have already lost star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
He was included in the ODI squad for the India series, which will take place from March 17, after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Nathan Ellis has been called up as his replacement for the series, but there is no confirmation about his availability for the IPL 2023 season.
Nathan Ellis has played three ODIs for his country.
Richardson suffered an injury during his stint playing in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Perth Scorchers. He hurt his hamstring on January 4 and was out of action for two months before injuring himself on his return to competitive cricket, playing for his club side Fremantle against Wanneroo in a 50-over fixture.
He bowled only four overs for Fremantle but managed to take three wickets before leaving the field and heading for a scan. He later went to the WACA ground to consult with the WA medical staff.
The 26-year-old has previously represented the Punjab Kings in the IPL and was expected to have a place in the MI Playing XI alongside the now-fit Jofra Archer. The duo would have headlined MI's pace attack in Bumrah's absence, but this seems highly unlikely given the latest updates.
In another blow to Australia, their captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the upcoming fourth Test match against Australia which is scheduled to start on March 09 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Cummins, who left for Australia after the completion of the second Test match in Delhi, will remain in his homeland as his mother is in palliative care. In his absence, Steve Smith, who marshalled his troops exceedingly well in Indore, will continue to lead the Baggy Greens.
Cummins, who is also Australia's ODI captain, might miss the upcoming one-day series against India. However, no official confirmation has been communicated by Cricket Australia regarding Cummins' availability for the white-ball series.
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