In-form paceman Jhye Richardson couldn't help but dream of earning a Test recall for the tour of South Africa, but says selectors made the right call in naming him for the T20 tour of NZ instead.
Richardson has been the standout bowler of the BBL season, snaring 27 wickets at an average of 13.25 and an economy rate of 7.08.
His stunning form caught many by surprise given it is his first tournament back since undergoing major shoulder surgery.
Richardson has been plagued by issues with his right bowling shoulder since suffering his first dislocation while playing for Australia in March, 2019.
He is still unable to throw the ball normally in the field, instead having to use a bowling action to return the ball to the wicketkeeper.
But his BBL return had been so impressive there was talk he would be rushed straight back for the three-Test tour of South Africa, which is pencilled to start in February.
Richardson, who played two Tests in 2019, was holding out hope of donning the baggy green in South Africa, but he knows the selectors made the right call in erring on the side of caution.
"There's no questions for me there about that decision. So all good from my end," Richardson said of the decision to name him for the T20s instead of the three-Test series.
"Dealing with such a long injury and such a long recovery time and not having an opportunity to really test it in the longer format just yet, for me it makes sense.
"It is a big jump (from T20s to Test cricket). The most obvious difference would be from bowling four overs to potentially 20 or 25 in a day.
"That's a pretty big jump and something I haven't really tested out just yet.
"I'm not saying it can't be done or it won't be able to be done in the future but at this stage, like I said before, I have full confidence in the decision and I'm very happy to be on the plane to NZ."
Richardson hopes to return to Sheffield Shield ranks after the T20 tour in a bid to prove his body is ready for the rigours of red-ball cricket.
If all goes well there, Richardson will be in the thick of the selection mix for next summer's home Ashes series.
"Test cricket is still on the horizon hopefully. It's something I'm still aspiring for," Richardson said.
"My two Test matches a couple of years ago were one of the best moments in my life."
For now, Richardson has his full attention on the Perth Scorchers' qualifying final clash with the Sydney Sixers in Canberra on Saturday.
The winner will earn a direct path to the final, while the loser will host a preliminary final.
Australian Associated Press
