Australian pacer Kane Richardson has quit professional cricket. The fast bowler made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in January 2013 and his T20I debut against Pakistan in October 2024. The 34-year-old made his domestic debut for South Australia during the 2008-09 season. He played for Australia in 25 ODIs, claiming 39 wickets with best figures of 5/68 and 36 T20Is, claiming 45 wickets with best figures of 4/30.
In 34 First Class games, Richardson took 102 wickets with best figures of 5/69 and 153 wickets in 98 List A games with best figures of 6/48. He also played for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. He played for the Northern Territory in Australian Junior cricket.
Richardson had the knack of taking crucial wickets, especially in the shorter format. He could fox the batters with slower ones during the run of play. Richardson didn’t possess pace but surprised the batters with leg cutters and seaming deliveries. He was part of the 2010 under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, playing a vital role against Pakistan in the final, scoring 44 crucial runs, helping Australia win the trophy. Australia won the 2021 T20 World Cup, and Richardson was in the squad that won the World Cup in the UAE and Oman.
Richardson played for various franchises in different T20 Leagues. He played for Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. While playing for the Rajasthan Royals during the 2014 IPL season, Richardson claimed 11 wickets in 7 games. Richardson played for Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred Competition during the 2022-23 season. Richardson played for English County side Kent in 2023.
The 34-year-old has played for Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Richardson had vast experience of playing in different conditions in the shorter format. While playing for Adelaide Strikers, Richardson claimed 42 wickets in 40 BBL games
During the 2012-13 Ryobi Cup, which is a domestic tournament in Australia, he claimed 21 wickets in 5 matches. While playing for Australia A in 2014, he claimed 13 wickets that helped him get selected for the Tri Series in Zimbabwe.
During the 2017 ODI series against India in September, when Australia toured India, Richardson claimed 7 wickets in 3 ODIs. Richardson has had an impressive Big Bash League career as the 34-year-old claimed 142 wickets in 118 games with best figures of 4/22. He is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the BBL. Richardson enjoyed an impressive T20 career in the BBL.
Richardson has been impressive with his consistency in bowling in the shorter formats. The 34-year-old will be missed in the franchise tournaments as well as by his teammates in the Australian national team, especially in the T20 format. Richardson stated that he was lucky to play for the Australian national team as well as the franchise teams. Richardson’s teammate, close friend and leg spinner Adam Zampa also paid his tribute to his friend.
