Western Australia 2 for 0 at Queensland 274 during December 8 (Khawaja 102*, Clayton 53, Richardson 4-36) by 272 runs
Richardson, in his first Sheffield Shield outing since November 2022, was at his best on his way to 4 for 36 in 23 overs against Queensland at the Gabba on Wednesday.
Captain Khawaja, batting at No. 4, defied everything to make an unbeaten 102 before suddenly declaring the innings locked at 274 for 8 as the light faded.
His team could only manage two overs before bad light halted play as Test hopeful Cameron Bancroft survived a great lbw shout from Jack Wildermuth off the penultimate ball.
“It was nice to be there, nice and warm, and [my] “My body is going to hurt tomorrow,” Richardson said of his long-awaited return to Shield action, which was slowed after dislocating his right shoulder in a second XI match in October.
“The shoulder is not a problem…pitching will be a work in progress as it has been for the last two years, but bowling-wise, so good. Rusty early, but he got it done and felt good at the end.” .
Richardson boasts a first-class average of 21 and a strike rate of 48, injuries restricting him to just three Tests in which he looked at home.
Backed for a Test return by former captain Tim Paine earlier this week to support Australia’s battle-weary pace battery, Richardson was quick to remind viewers he remains a force.
Matt Renshaw failed to add to his score overnight in a missed opportunity for the Test contender, while Richardson found the edge from Joe Burns’ bat.
Jhye Richardson finished with excellent numbers on his return to the Shield•fake images
World Test No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne then made a catch from the middle of his bat to square leg and Queensland were 3 for -2 down.
Khawaja found a partner in Jack Clayton, the pair adding 116 before Richardson again found an advantage. He was on a hat-trick when Jimmy Peirson was caught behind off the next ball, and Michael Neser became his fourth victim when Bancroft caught him at second slip.
Khawaja steadily moved towards triple figures before a bold flick of a good length ball from Richardson whistled towards mid-wicket for his second Shield hundred of the season.
With Queensland last in the Shield standings after a series of close defeats, Khawaja’s aggressive statement after a rain-hit first day raises the prospect of a result with two days still to play.
“Knowing Queensland want to make it a game, it will be interesting to see how it plays out,” Richardson said.
