Richardson chooses Test cricket over the IPL

In an age where the lure of short-form riches is raising concerns that Test cricket is in danger of fading away, Richardson’s decision will come as a refreshing one to many

^{Richardson focussed on Test cricket}

Kane Richardson chose a different path to 55 of his compatriots when he decided not to put himself forward for the 2018 IPL draft. The South Australian instead says he wants to focus on red-ball cricket in the Sheffield Shield in a hope to make a case for a Test call-up.

In an age where the lure of short-form riches is raising concerns that cricket’s longest form is in danger of dying out, Richardson’s decision to focus on Shield cricket in a bid to play Test cricket, will come as a refreshing one to many.

He will have seen team-mates going for big bucks, with the likes of Chris Lynn ($1.86m AUD), Mitchell Starc ($1.8m) and Glenn Maxwell ($1.75m) commanding substantial fees.

Richardson - who took 12 wickets in 10 matches for Melbourne Renegades in BBL|07 - told cricket.com.au: “It's a hard decision because of the financial rewards." 

"Not a lot of guys do it.

"I've put in a little bit more of a goal to play more Shield cricket and I thought if I play upwards of seven Shield games, the body is going to need a fair bit of a rest."

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Richardson has previous experience in the IPL, with Pune Warriors picking up the fast bowler for $US700,000  in 2013 before campaigns with Rajasthan Royals a season later and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016.

The 27-year-old has played 15 ODIs and five T20Is for his country but has his sights set on making the step up to Test cricket and earning his Baggy Green.

"I experienced it (the IPL) as a young bloke and made a little bit of money over there so that makes it easier having had that happen.

"I'm still only 27 next so hopefully I can get over there a few more times."

"I'm still a long way away from playing Test cricket but it's still a goal to play.

"Whether or not (missing) the IPL helps that, I'm not sure. 

"I'm pretty big on giving the body a rest and building back up through the preseason in Adelaide and hopefully playing more cricket throughout our home summer."