Australia has announced its revamped squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 following skipper Pat Cummins and several other prominent players out of the squad. The absence of star Australian players has given way to other talents who have proven their worth in Australia’s domestic circuit and now have an opportunity to show their abilities in international cricket. One such promising name is that of Ben Dwarshuis who has emerged as a familiar name amongst those aware of Australia’s domestic cricket. In light of his latest appearance in the Australian squad for the tour to Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy 2025, here is ?everything you need to know about him.

Everything you need to know about Ben Dwarshius

(1) Early beginnings as a cricketer:

Born on June 23, 1994, in Kareela, New South Wales, Australia, Benjamin James Dwarshuis hails from an Australian family of Dutch descent. His passion for cricket ignited at a young age, significantly influenced by his father’s love for the game. Growing up, Ben often played cricket with his younger brother, which further fueled his enthusiasm for the sport. Initially, he bowled medium pace and experimented with spin. However, a significant growth spurt during his mid-teens led him to focus on fast bowling, setting the foundation for his future professional career.

(2) Stellar performance in List-A debut:

Ben Dwarshuis made his List A debut for New South Wales against the Cricket Australia XI on October 7, 2016, during the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup. In that match, he delivered a commendable performance, securing figures of 4/39.? citeturn0search0 This debut marked th?e beginning of his contributions to New South Wales in domestic one-day cricket.

(3) An emerging star in the Big Bash League (BBL):

Ben made his Big Bash League (BBL) debut on December 19, 2014, for the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Renegades at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite conceding 38 runs in his four-over spell, he impressed with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets. However, it was during the 2016â€?7 BBL season that he truly made a name for himself, delivering a career-best performance of 3/25 against the Melbourne Stars and later showcasing his composure with the bat to secure a victory for the Sixers. His impact continued in the following edition, where he played a crucial all-round role against the Adelaide Strikers, taking two wickets and later scoring an unbeaten 21 in a valiant effort. Dwarshuis’ consistent performances with both bat and ball established him as a key player for the Sixers and a rising star in the BBL, known for his ability to deliver in pressure situations.

Also Read: Key fact??s about Corbin Bosch: The South African star who replaced Anrich Nortje in Champions Trophy 2025

(4) T20I debut:

Ben made his T20I debut for Australia on April 5, 2022, against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. In this match, Australia secured a three-wicket victory. Dwarshuis bowled four overs, conceding 42 runs, and did not take any wickets. This debut came after his consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly with the Sixers in the Big Bash League. His selection for the national team was a testament to his domestic success and potential at the international level.

(5) The England experience:

Ben signed with Worcestershire County Cricket Club for the 2021 T20 Blast in England. Over eight matches, he took seven wickets at an economy rate of 7.32, with best bowling figures of 3/35. With the bat, he contributed 47 runs across five innings, averaging 11.75 and achieving a top score of 24. His all-round performance added depth to Worcestershire’s squad during the tournament.

(6) ODI debut:

Ben made his One-Day International (ODI) debut for Australia against England on September 19, 2024, at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. He was handed his first ODI cap amidst a series of illnesses that had struck the Australian squad, leading to the absence of key players like Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

In his debut match, Dwarshuis showcased his bowling prowess by claiming his maiden ODI wicket, clean bowling Phil Salt with a delivery that skidded through the batter’s defense. Unfortunately, his debut was marred by a suspected pectoral strain sustained while fielding, which forced him to leave the field and miss the remainder of the game. Despite his early exit, Australia secured a seven-wicket victory over England, with Travis Head leading the chase with an unbeaten 154 runs.

(7) Ben Dwarshius�married life:

Ben is married to Courtney Bridge. The couple got engaged in May 2021, with Dwarshuis sharing the news on social media, expressing excitement about their future together. In March 2024, he celebrated Courtney’s 30th birthday with a heartfelt message on his Instagram account. Although the exact details of their wedding remain undisclosed, their public posts highlight a strong bond and commitment to each other.

Also Read: Key facts abo??ut Aaron Hardie: The emerging all-round sensation from Australia

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Australia, a six-time World Cup-winning nation, will enter the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as a formidable contender. However, th??eir journey appears significantly tougher this time due to the absence of key players.

Australia’s squad challenges for Champions Trophy 2025

The team will be without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh due to injuries, while Mitchell Starc has opted out for personal reasons. Additionally, Marcus Stoinis�retirement from ODIs leaves a noticeable gap in their squad. This means Australia will field a substantially different side from the one that lifted the ODI World Cup 2023. Desp?ite these setbacks, Australia’s competitive nature remains intact, and they will look to reclaim the Champions Trophy for the first time since 2009.

With Cummins ruled out, Steve Smith has been entrusted with the leadership role for the tournament. This will mark a significant moment in Smith’s career, as he returns to captaincy in a major ICC event after being stripped of it in 2018. Leading a squad that lacks its first-choice fast bowlers and senior all-rounders will be a major test fo???r Smith. Australia will have to rely on a mix of experienced players and young talents as they prepare for the tournament in Pakistan’s challenging conditions.

Gilchrist picks the opening partner of Travis Head

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has suggested a bold move – playing Smith as an opener alongside Travis Head in ODIs. Gilchrist believed that giving Smith more deliveries to face could be beneficial, despite his underwhelming numbers as an opener across formats – 242 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.25, with a highest score of 91 and a strike rate of 63.68. While Smith has never opened in ODIs, Gilchrist pointed out that he has succeeded in T20s at the top and could be an asset in the role for 50-over cricket.

“It’s a challenging one at the moment, but Smith should open. I didn’t see where he was slotted in the game against Sri Lanka. Obviously, Travis is going to be there – he’s fresh and fit. I also like Matt Short being there – he can form a nice left-hand-right-hand combination – that would be the preferred way for me to go. But I do think Smith can open – we have seen him do that in 20-over cricket really well,” Gilchrist said on ABC Summer Grandstand.

Also READ: Champions Tr??ophy 2025: Australia’s Michael Clarke pr??edicts top run-scorer, wicket-taker and player of the tournament

A tough group stage and limited preparation

Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 group consists of England, Afghanistan and South Africa – three teams that could pose significant challenges, especially in subcontinental conditions.

Gilchrist believed Australia’s limited preparation for this format could make the tournament challenging, especially since many teams, including Australia, have prioritized 50-over cricket in a World Cup year. He acknowledged that this tournament offers a chance to experiment with younger players, which may lead to mixed results. While Australia have a strong track record of adapting and progressing in tournaments, the absence of some key players could make this a difficult campaign, especially in unfamiliar conditions.

“I guess there’s been limited preparation with regards to this format. The Australian team were outstanding in the huge summer â€?both men’s and women’s. But a lot of nations will focus on 50-over cricket when it’s a World Cup year certainly in terms of volume of the games and who’s actually playing it. That’s what Australia do well – they scrape well, but it’s going to be challenging in those conditions over there. They don’t have the full strength of players who they would like to take typically, so this might be a tough tournament for them,” Gilchrist concluded.

Also READ: Australia’s Michael Clarke picks? his favourite team to win Champions Trophy 2025

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Australian all-rounder and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) player Cameron Green and his longtime girlfriend Emily Redwood have announced their engagement. “Love this girl!! (forever),” Green captioned his Instagram post.

As s?oon as the news broke, social media was flooded with congratulatory messages from fan??s and well-wishers.

New innings for Cameron Green

Green, known for his exceptional cricketing skills, is now stepping into a new chapter in ??his personal life. The engagement pictures of the lovely couple have gone viral, showcasing their happiness.

The cricketing fraternity and fans have poured in ??their wishes for the couple.

Profession of Cameron Green’s girlfriend

Emily is a professional nutritionist and completed her studies at Curtin Univer?sity, where she also served as the President in 2021. Interestingly, she was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2016, which led her to adopt a gluten-free diet.

The love story of Green and Emily has been widely discussed over the years, as the couple frequently shares glimpses of their relationship on social media. Emily’s beauty and glamorous presence have made her a popular figure on digital platforms.

Cameron Green to miss ICC Champions Trophy & IPL 2025 due to injury

While Green celebrates his engagement, he is also dealing with a major setback in his cricketing career. The Australian all-rounder has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 due to a back injury. He underwent surgery for a l??ower back stress fracture in October 2024 and is still in the recovery phase. This injury also forced him to miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.

Also READ: A?ustralia veteran Michael Clarke picks his favourite? team to win Champions Trophy 2025

Green’s IPL career so far

In his IPL career so far, Green has played 29 matches, scoring 707 runs, including one century and two half-centuries, with a highest score of 100 not out. With the ba?ll, he has claimed 16 wickets, with his best bowling figures of 2/12.

IPL 2023: Bought by Mumbai Indians for â‚?7.5 crore, he played 16 matches, scoring 452 runs, including one ?century and two fifties.

IPL 2024: Traded to RCB, he played 13 matches, scoring 255 runs and taking 10 wickets.
His?? IPL batting average stands at 41.59, with a strike rate of 153.70, while his bowling average is 41.50, ??with an economy rate of 9.08.

As Green embarks on this new journey in his personal life, fans will be eagerly awaiting? his return to the cricket field once he recovers from injury.

Also READ: [Photos] Meet Usman Khawaja’s wife – Rachel McLellan, the sports presenter who cleaned up the star Australian batter

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The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 14, 2025, was a thrilling encounter filled with dramatic moments. One such moment came when Adam Zampa pulled off a stunning yet nerve-wracking catch to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Nishan Madushka. The incident?? not only showcased Zampa’s brilliance but also highlighted the fine margins that often decide ??the outcome of a match.

Adam Zampa’s catch: The edge of the boundary drama

The 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings saw Ben Dwarshuis?? deliver a short-pitched bal??l that angled in sharply. Madushka, who had been batting confidently, attempted a hook shot but only managed to top-edge the ball. It soared high into the air, heading straight toward Zampa at deep fine leg. What followed was a moment of pure cricketing drama.

Zampa positioned himself perfectly, grabbed the catch, and then, realizing his momentum was taking him over the boundary rope, tossed the ball into the air. As he regained his balance, he completed the catch again, but his foot brushed against the boundary cushion. The on-field umpires were unsure and called for a TV review. After meticulous scrutiny, the third umpire confirmed it was a clean catch, and Madushka was given out. The dismissal was a turning point in the match, breaking a solid 98-run partnership between Madushka and Kusal Mendis.

Here’s the video:

ADAM ZAMPA ON THE ROPE!

Madushka departs following some Zorba brilliance 🤯 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/hez6QuzLYh

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 14, 2025

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka loses his wicket to a rash shot ?aga??inst Aaron Hardie

Sri Lanka’s innings: A tale of partnerships and momentum

Sri Lanka, electing to bat first, got off to a shaky start when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for just 6 runs. However, Madushka and Mendis steadied the ship with a crucial 98-run partne?rship. Madushka’s dismissal for 51 brought a brief halt to Sri Lanka’s momentum, but Mendis continued to anchor the innings with a composed century.

Mendis�101 off 115 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 11 boundaries. He found able support in Charith Asalanka, who played a blistering knock of 78 not out off just 66 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Janith Liyanage provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 32 o?ff 21 balls, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 281/4 in their 50 overs.

Australia’s bowling: A mixed bag

Australia’s bowlers had a mixed day on the field. Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott were the pick of the bowlers, picking up a wicket each while maintaining economical figures. Zampa, despite ??being expensive, contributed with the crucial wicket of Mendis. However, the Australian bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s middle order, especially during the death overs, where Asalanka and Liyanage unleashed a flurry of boundaries.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka triumphs over Australia in a low-scoring encounter at Colombo | 1st ODI

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Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI against Australia, securing a thumping 174-run victory at the R. Pr?emadasa Stadium in Colombo. The hosts dominated with both bat and ball, registering a clean sweep in the t??wo-match series.

Kusal Mendis stars as Sri Lanka posts a competitive total

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka put up a formidable total of 281/4 in their allotted 50 overs. A brilliant century from Kusal Mendis (101 off 115 balls), coupled with a blistering knock from ??Charith Asalanka (78 off 66), set the foundation for the hosts�imposing total. Nishan Madushka also played a crucial role, scoring a steady 51 off 70 balls.

Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Ben Dwarshuis (1/47), Sean Abbott (1/41), Adam Zampa (1/47) and Aaron Hardie (1/60) managed to pick up a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to slow down Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.

Australian batting collapse hands Sri Lanka a massive win

Chasing a challenging target of 282, Australia never found their rhythm and collapsed to a dismal 107 all out in just 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando (3/23) and Wanind??u Hasaranga (3/23) ripped through the Australian top order, while Dunith Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/35 in 7.2 overs.

Australia’s batting lineup failed to show resilience, with only Steve Smith (29 off 34) and Josh Inglis (22 off 27) offering some resistance. The rest of the batting order fell apart under pressure, with Glenn Maxwell (1), Aaron Hardie (0) and Matthew Short (2) failing to contribute.

An emphatic win for Sri Lanka to seal the series

Scorecard: //t.co/jJFctFHZIz#cricket #SLvAUS #ODI pic.twitter.com/6cQRYsvhZW

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2025

Also WATCH: Pathum Nissanka loses his wicket to a rash shot?? against Aaron Hardie in SL vs AUS 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless, exploiting the conditions to perfection. Wellalage’s spell proved decisive, as he dismantled the middle order, while Hasaranga and Fernando ensured there was no recovery for the visitors.

With this emphatic win, Sri Lanka sealed the series comfortably. The first ODI saw Sri Lanka securing a 49-run? victory, and this second match further underlined their dominance.

Kusal Mendis, whose well-paced century a??nchored Sri Lanka’s innings, was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding batting display. His innings ensur??ed the hosts posted a competitive total, which eventually proved too much for the Australian batters.

Kusal Mendis was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant batting display#cricket #ODI #SLvAUS #KusalMendis pic.twitter.com/9ywWbcpMuE

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 14, 2025

Also READ: Australia’s David Warner predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025

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Pathum Nissanka’s shaky start to the second and final ODI against Australia came to an abrupt end, as he was clean bowled by Aaron Hardie. The dismissal took plac?e at the R. Premadasa Stadium in?? Colombo on Friday, February 14.

Pathum Nissanka’s rash shot costs Sri Lanka early wicket 

Nissanka’s wicket fell on the third ball of the fifth over. Hardie delivered an angling length ball at 130kph from wide of the crease, which further jagged in slightly. Nissanka, seemingly premeditating a big shot to relieve the building pressure from dot balls, charged down the track to swing across the line. However, he was beaten on the inside edge, resulting in the ball crashing into his stumps. The right-handed batter had to make a long walk back to the pavilion for 6 after facing 20 balls.

Nissanka’s wicket was a crucial breakthrough for Australia, who are looking to bounce back after losing the first ODI of the two-match series.

Here’s the video:

First wicket to Aaron Hardie! #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/C0qMkHJzi7

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 14, 2025

In the first game, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka’s century led the hosts to a 49-run victory. Australia’s batting performance left a lot to be desired, and they are eager for a turnaround ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka, already one up in the series, aims to seal a series sweep. Their top order, including Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis an?d Kamindu Mendis, will be aiming to improve their footwork against the Australian pacers.

Also READ: Twitter reactions – Sri Lanka triumphs over Australia in a low-scoring encounter at Colombo | 1st ODI

SL vs AUS: Playing XI of both teams

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, M??aheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Australia: Matthew Short, Travis H??ead, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), J??osh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

Also READ: Australia’s Michael Clarke picks his favourite team to win Champions Trophy 2025

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Sri Lanka and Australia will face off once again at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With an emphatic win over Australia, the home side has managed to garner a 1-0 lead win in the 2-mat??ch ODI series. Sri Lanka will aim to outperform the visitors once again and white-wash the visitors to redee?m their losing momentum after their humiliating loss in the Test series.

Match Details: SL vs AUS, 2nd ODI:

• Date and Time: February 14, 4:30 am GMT/ 10:00 am IST/ 10:00 am local
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report:

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has long been a formidable challenge for visiting teams, renowned for its slow and turning tracks that heavily favor spinners. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate, making stroke play increasingly difficult, especially in the latter half of the game. Spinners thrive on the sharp turn and grip offered by the surface, often dictating the game’s tempo. Given these conditions, teams batting first have a significant advantage, as setting a strong total becomes crucial before the pitch becomes more unpredictable under lights. Captains winnin??g the toss are likely to opt for battin?g first, capitalizing on the relatively better batting conditions early on while avoiding the challenges of chasing under the floodlights in Colombo.

SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeepers: Alex Carey, Kusal Mendis
• Batters: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pathum Nissanka
• All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka, Aaron Hardie
• Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Nathan Ellis

SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Kusal Mendis (vc)
• Choice 2: Steve Smith (c), Alex Carey (vc)

Also Read: ??Australia’s Mich??ael Clarke picks his favourite team to win Champions Trophy 2025

SL vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Kusal Mendis, Jake Fraser McG?urk, Dunith Wellalage, Ada??m Zampa

SL vs AUS Dream11 Team for today’s match (February 12, 4:30 am GMT):

Squads:

Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz,?? Eshan Malinga

Australia: Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith (c)?, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

Also Read: Twitter reactions: Sri Lanka triumphs over A?ustralia in a low-scoring encounter at Colombo | ?1st ODI

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, with the tournament hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This prestigious event marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, featuring eight of the world’s best cricketing nations competing for the coveted title.

Tournament Structure and Groups

The eight participating teams have bee??n divided into two groups:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Each ?team wil?l play three group-stage matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will run until March 9, culminating in the final.

Also READ: ICC announces war?m-up fixtures for the Champions Trophy? 2025

Champions Trophy 2025 Squads

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly

Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Ha?san Sakib, Nahid Rana

England: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson,?? Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil ?Salt, Mark Wood

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yada??v, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, K?ane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Al??i Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Na?seem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

Also READ: AB de Villie??rs names t??he most dangerous team of Champions Trophy 2025

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As Australia gear up to face Sri Lanka in the 2-match ODI series, the visitors�squad is loaded with young emerging talents and players who have proven their worth in the domestic circuit and have been allowed to showcase their abilities for the national side. One such name in the Australian squad is that of Aaron Hardie.

The 26-year-old has gone through the struggles and heat of the Australian domestic circuit and is rapidly turning out to be the next big all-round sensation in Australian cricket following the likes of Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds. In light of his maiden tour to Sri Lanka, here are some?? key facts about Hardie.

All you need to know about Aaron Hardie

1. Birth and early beginnings

Hardie was born on January 7, 1999, in Bournemouth, England, but his family m??oved out of England and settled down in Pe?rth, Australia, where he spent his childhood and got his first exposure to cricket. Hardie is the only child to his parents who saw his interest in the game as a child and inspired him to pursue cricket as a career. Apart from cricket, he got a keen interest in fishing and playing football from his parents early on in his life.

2. First big opportunity as a youngster:

In January 2018, Hardie was named in Australia’s squad for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, but an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the tournament, delaying his big-stage debut. However, later that year, he earned an opportunity to play for the Cricket Australia XI in a high-profile four-day match against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Hardie made an immediate impact, dismissing Indian captain Virat Kohli and finishing with impressive bowling figures of 4/50 in the first innings. Showcasing his all-round abilities, he also contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 86 runs. Reflecting on the experience, Hardie described the moment as “a bit surreal,” highlighting the significance of the match in his early career. This performance marked his arrival as a promising all-rounder, paving the way for greater opportunities in Australian cricket.

Also Read: SL vs AUS: Fans go gaga as Charith Asalanka smashes a remarkable ton against A??ustralia in the 1??st ODI

3. Domestic cricket debut:

Hardie made his Twenty20 debut for the Perth Scorchers in the 2018�9 Big Bash League season on January 9, 2019. Later that year, he continued his rise in Australian domestic cricket, making his first-class debut for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on March 20, 2019, followed by his List A debut in the Marsh One-Day Cup on October 23, 2019. Hardie’s breakthrough moment came in March 2020, when he scored his maiden first-class century, proving his ability as a dependable all-rounder. His standout performance arrived in the 2021�2 Sheffield Shield final, where he played a match-winning knock of 174 not out to help Western Australia clinch the title. Recognizing his growing reputation, Surrey signed him in June 2022 to play? in England’s T20 Blast and County Championship, further expanding his experience in the shortest format.

4. First experience of International cricket:

In August 2023, Aaron Hardie received his first international call-up, earning a place in Australia’s squad for both the T20I and ODI series against South Africa. He made his much-anticipated T20I debut on August 30, 2023, in the opening match of the three-game series, marking his entry?? into international cricket. Just days later, on September 9, he stepped onto the ODI stage, making his ODI debut in the 2nd encounter of the five-match series. Hardie’s selection came against the backdrop of his impressive domestic performances and his growing reputation as a talented all-rounder. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he quickly became a valuable ass??et for Australia’s limited-overs setup.

5. A heartwarming relationship:

Hardie has been in a long-term relationship with Anna Bodlovich, with the couple often sharing glimpses of their bond on social med?ia. Beyond being a supportive partner, Bodlovich has built a successful career in marketing, holding dual roles in the industry. Since April 2022, she has worked as a Marketing Assistant at Switch Agency, where she contributes to branding, promotional campaigns, and client engagement. Additionally, she has been serving as an Assistant Brand Manager at Myaree Ceramics on a part-time basis since May 2021, showcasing her expertise in brand management. With both Hardie and Bodlovich excelling in their respective fields, they continue to support each other’s ambitions while maintaining a strong and enduring relationship.

Also Read: Australia’s Adam Gilchri??st names the Greatest Cricketer of All Time

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