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Warner passed fit, Richardson replaces Hazlewood for Adelaide Test

Anderson, Broad in England squad for second Ashes Test

December 15, 2021 12:13 PM


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Dynamic opener David Warner will play through the pain in the second Ashes Test against England, Australia captain Pat Cummins said Wednesday, as Jhye Richardson got the nod to replace Josh Hazlewood.

Warner scored 94 in the first innings at the opening Test in Brisbane but didn't field or bat in Australia's second innings as he nursed bruised ribs after being pummelled by the England attack.

The 35-year-old padded up in the Adelaide Oval nets on Tuesday evening and made several audible cries of pain, but Cummins said he would play the day-night Test starting Thursday.

"He'll be right, he had a bat yesterday and batted with a bit of discomfort, but knowing Davey he's not going to miss this one," Cummins said. "He'll be fine once the adrenaline kicks in. It's one thing batting in the nets and another when you walk out in front of a packed crowd. 

"He's played close to 90 Tests and I'm sure a lot of them have been played in discomfort," he added of the flamboyant star, who will open the innings alongside Marcus Harris.

The only change Cummins named to the side that crushed England by nine wickets at the Gabba last week was Richardson as replacement for Hazlewood, who was ruled out this week with a side strain.

Right-arm quick bowler Richardson had been in contention with Michael Neser and will add to his two Tests, spearheading the attack alongside Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon on a ground where Australia have won all five Tests they have played under lights.

"We just think Jhye is firing and really excited to see him out there," Cummins said.

"Josh is a big void to fill but we feel really confident that Jhye is going to step straight in."

Hazlewood is a huge loss. The paceman boasts a pink-ball record of 32 wickets at just 19.90 and took an incredible 5-8 when India were all out for just 36 at Adelaide in their second innings a year ago.

But the lightning-fast Richardson has been in red-hot form for Western Australia during the opening rounds of the Sheffield Shield season, taking 23 wickets at just 13.43 in four matches.

The 25-year-old played two Tests against Sri Lanka in early 2019, and took five wickets in his first match, under lights at the Gabba.

But he has since spent much of his time recovering from a serious shoulder dislocation and resultant surgeries.

- 'Couldn't be happier' -
England are yet to name their starting side but are expected to recall veteran quicks Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, who were controversially left out of the first Test.

They must also decide whether to keep faith with spinner Jack Leach, who was punished in Brisbane but could come into his own on Adelaide's traditionally spin-friendly wicket.    

Cummins said he was sure England would bounce back, but warned Australia were riding high from the manner of their win in Brisbane, when they skittled England for 147, built a formidable 425 in reply, then dismissed the visitors again for 297.

"We've all played games where you lose and have got to front up a few days later and everyone's got different methods," he said.

"But we take a lot of confidence out of that game, in particular that just about every one of our eleven got into the series, really contributed at some stage.

"It went perfectly for us, no doubt it won't happen every game, but we couldn't be happier with our start."   

Australia: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson

Anderson, Broad in England squad for second Ashes Test

Bowling great Jimmy Anderson said Wednesday he wants to play all four remaining Ashes Tests after he and Stuart Broad were included in England's 12-man squad for the second Test against Australia this week.

The two greatest wicket-takers in England Test history, with 1,156 scalps between them, were controversially left out for the series opener at Brisbane, where they crashed by nine wickets inside four days.

But both are back in the frame for the clash under lights at Adelaide starting Thursday, where the pink ball's extra movement should suit their game.

Their return means speedster Mark Wood, who impressed in Brisbane, has been rested with selectors opting instead for fellow pacemen Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes.

They also kept faith with spinner Jack Leach, who was punished in Brisbane but could come into his own on Adelaide's traditionally spin-friendly wicket.

A final decision on who to omit will be made at the toss after a last look at the wicket on what is forecast to be a fine, dry day.

"I came here wanting to be available for five (Tests) and that doesn't change now, I want to be available for the next four," said a defiant Anderson, 39, who has taken a record 632 Test wickets -- more than any other seam bowler in history.

"I think the gaps between the next few Tests, it might be a bit easier to get that rest in between and make sure everyone's fresh, but that's something out of my control.

"I've just got to do my best if I get picked tomorrow."

The non-selection in Brisbane of Anderson and Broad, who has 524 Test wickets, sparked disbelief among pundits and cricket fans, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting among them, saying he was "staggered".

- 'He's fantastic' -
Lancashire seamer Anderson admitted to being disappointed at not playing, but also said he understood the bigger picture, given he was in the twilight of his career.

"All I can do is try and prepare as well as I can and stay fit and the last few years I've certainly been managed a bit more, missing the odd game to try and make sure I stay fresh for a long series," said the 166-Test veteran.

"So that's something I've got used to I guess over the last few years."

Australian captain and fellow fast bowler Pat Cummins said Anderson was always a handful, but his players were ready for what he would throw at them.

"He's fantastic, it's just the longevity that's really impressive ... he's been at it for over two decades and just shows that it's possible to keep going into your late 30s and still be at the top of your game," he said.

"He's obviously going to bring a lot of experience and class to their line-up if he plays. He's going to be a challenge but he's someone that our batters are really familiar facing."

England's 12-man squad: Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root (capt) Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes



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