Kiwis T20s over Proteas Tests was right call: Richardson

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 New Zealand instead.

Richardson has been the standout bowler of the KFC 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 Qantas 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 his selection in the 18-man touring part for the five T20s against New Zealand instead of the South Africa trip.

"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 the Marsh Sheffield Shield 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, including hosting rights, while the loser will host The Challenger final where they will face one of the Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat or Adelaide Strikers for the second spot in the final.

Qantas T20I tour of New Zealand 2021

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

New Zealand squad: TBC

1st T20: February 22, Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 5pm AEDT

2nd T20: February 25, University of Otago Oval, Dunedin, 12noon AEDT

3rd T20: March 03, Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5pm AEDT

4th T20: March 05, Eden Park, Auckland, 5pm AEDT

5th T20: March 07, Bay Oval, Tauranga, 12noon AEDT

All matches will be shown live in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo