Ashes 2021-22: Jhye Richardson bowls with torn shoes in Adelaide Test

Having won the opening Ashes Test by nine wickets, Australia continued to dominate England in the second clash at the Adelaide Oval. The hosts declared at 473/9 after opting to bat first in the Day-Night Test. In reply, the Three Lions got off to a terrible start with openers Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns getting dismissed cheaply.

It must be noted that Australia are without their key pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the game. While Hazlewood sustained a side injury during the opening game in Brisbane, the Aussie skipper was found in close contact with a person who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. With the duo being unavailable, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson were named in the playing XI.

Jhye Richardson playing his first Test after over 2.5 overs

While Neser is on Test debut, Richardson made his first appearance in the format in over 2.5 overs. Needless to mention, the duo has a point to prove as the regular faces are likely to be available from the next fixture onwards. Meanwhile, Richardson, besides his bowling, bagged limelight for his torn shoes as well.

The slow motion replay showed that the pacer’s toe thumb is coming out as he lands his foot for bowling. Some taping was also spotted in front of his shoes, which indicated that Richardson already knew about his shoes’ conditions but still decided to sport it. It must be noted that some pacers intentionally create a hole in their front-foot shoe as it helps them to land properly.

Hence, Richardson might have also followed the same method. Coming to the ongoing contest, the Aussies are firmly in command and would be raring to get yet another win in Adelaide. It must be noted that the hosts have won all eight Day-Night Tests, they have played so far. They look all set for their ninth win on the trot, given the current scenario of the contest.

Meanwhile, skipper Joe Root and Dawid Malan tried to steady the ship with a 138-run stand after the openers went early. However, things again turned in Australia’s favour after the partnership was broken. The Three Lions certainly need a daunting effort to make a comeback in the contest.