WA speedster Jhye Richardson has declared he’s ‘ready to go’ ahead of his bid for a Test return as he prepares to take on the England Lions in Brisbane.

The 29-year-old has been dogged by persistent shoulder injuries that have restricted him to just three Test caps, but remains an outside chance to feature in the Ashes after a competitive return to bowling over the last month.

Richardson will be part of the Australia A team taking on the Lions at Allan Border Field from Saturday, and a strong performance could put him right back in the selectors’ frame.

“I’m feeling really good. I’d say I’m heading into this season fitter than what I have been in the last four or five years which is really promising,” Richardson said.

“We said at the start of surgery that we wanted to get a few things in place to make sure the only setback was going to be my shoulder.

“If it was going to be sore, we just let that happen and not worry about anything else, and that’s where we’re sitting.

“Body’s feeling good, shoulder’s feeling good, and we’re ready to go.”

His comments come after WA coach Adam Voges was tracking well and hopeful he could feature in the Perth Scorchers’ season opener.

“He’s going really well,” Voges said on Sunday.

“The CA game last week was another step in the right direction for Jhye, and he continues to build.”

Richardson will be joined in Australia A’s line-up by WA teammate Cooper Connolly, while Beau Webster will be able to push his case after being unfortunately overlooked in Brisbane and Perth.

“We’ve selected a balanced squad that combines experience with emerging talent, and we’re excited to see how this group responds,” Australian chair of selectors George Bailey said.

“It’s pleasing to see players like Matt Renshaw, Josh Philippe and Jhye Richardson continuing to push their case, while others such as Campbell Kellaway and Fergus O’Neill have earned their spots through consistent performances.

“Beau Webster from the current Ashes squad will join the Australia A group on Thursday, which will add valuable experience and leadership to the side.

“These matches are about opportunity and learning, providing players with the chance to test themselves against international opposition.”

AUSTRALIA A SQUAD

Nathan McSweeney (C), Beau Webster, Campbell Kellaway, Cooper Connolly, Fergus O’Neill, Jhye Richardson, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Ryan Hadley, Todd Murphy, Xavier Bartlett