Delhi-born spin bowling all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary A remarkable cricket milestone has been reached after being named in Australia’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.The 30-year-old has become the first Indian-origin male cricketer to earn a place in Australia’s national squad in over 60 years. With Australia playing a three-match T20I series in Chittagong from June 17 to 21, Chaudhry is now on the field to make his international debut.Currently representing JB Bruges in the EUT20 competition in Belgium, Chaudhry was also part of the Delhi Capitals setup during the recent IPL season. He is expected to link up with Australia’s whiteball squad in Dhaka on Friday.National selector Tony Dodemide said the all-rounder had impressed the selection panel with his performance in the Big Bash League.“The panel has been impressed with his BBL form, particularly last season, which led to his inclusion in the squad,” selector Tony Dodemide was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.“Nikhil will gain invaluable experience in Bangladesh and will be on the field to play his first game for Australia when we sit here next week to select the team for the opening T20 match,” he added.According to cricket.com.au, Chaudhry’s selection is historically significant.“Australia has had a number of Indian-origin players in international cricket, including Gurvinder Sindhu and Tanveer Singha, but not since the 1960s (when Gujarat-born leg-spinner Rex Sellers featured in the 1964 Calcutta Test) has an Indian-origin man played for the national team,” the website said.Women’s cricket legend Lisa Staliker, who was born in Pune, represented Australia between 2003 and 2013 and remains one of the country’s most popular players. However, Chaudhry’s inclusion is a rare achievement in the men’s game.Although he has yet to become an Australian citizen, Chaudhary has permanent residency and meets the ICC’s eligibility requirements to represent Australia.Before the move, the Delhi-born cricketer played 14 List-A matches for Punjab in Indian domestic cricket. His move to Australia came under unusual circumstances. During his uncle’s visit to Queensland in 2020, travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic extended his stay in the country. While trying to establish himself, Chaudhary worked several jobs, including delivering mail as a postman.His fortunes changed after former Australian all-rounder James Hoopes spotted his talent and helped him break into the local cricket circuit.Chowdhury’s rise to prominence was swift with the Hobart Hurricanes, where he played a key role in the BBL|14 title-winning campaign. His strongest season with the bat came last summer when he scored 307 runs at an average of 30.70 and a strike rate of 153. His bowling opportunities were more limited due to the presence of fellow wrist spinners Rehan Ahmed and Rashad Hussain.Australia squad for Bangladesh T20I series: Mitchell Marsh (c) Xavier BartlettNikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim DavidJoel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Adam Zampa.
