Richardson is the most notable inclusion in the Scorchers’ group which is largely made up of younger players on the fringes of the BBL and Western Australia sides plus some from the WA academy.
“He’s fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again across the summer.”
Richardson will be joined in the squad by fellow quick Matt Kelly whose season was also ended early by injury. Batter Sam Fanning has been named captain while Baxter Holt, who moved to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.
“We also see this tournament as an opportunity for Jhye and Kells [Matt Kelly] to find touch in a competitive environment,” stand-in coach Tim MacDonald said. “They didn’t play a lot of cricket last year but they’re a big part of what we do at the Scorchers and WA, so we’re looking forward to seeing both of them back in action.”
The Top End competition also features Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and a Bangladesh High Performance side.