Ben Dwarshuis sees opening in Australia T20 side after Starc retirement

Canberra: Australian fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis has said Mitchell Starc’s retirement from Twenty20 internationals has created a rare opportunity in the national side’s pace attack, though he stressed that several bowlers are competing for the vacancy.

Starc, who retired from T20 internationals in September last year, is Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker across all formats with 759 wickets, behind only Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. For years, Australia’s fast-bowling unit in the shortest format was anchored by Starc alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leaving limited room for others to break through.

Dwarshuis, who made his international debut in 2022, has so far played six one-day internationals and 15 T20Is. He is among a group of seamers pushing for a more regular role, with Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson also in contention.

Speaking to Reuters, Dwarshuis said the battle for places extends beyond outright speed and also depends on durability, consistency and the ability to deliver in pressure situations. He said bowlers who had spent years behind Australia’s established trio now see a possible route into the side.

There’s a whole heap of Australian bowlers who have sort of sat behind Mitch Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins, who have just done amazing things for Australian cricket and haven’t really opened the door for anyone else to sort of take their spot,

Mitch retiring obviously opens up a spot. There’s a whole handful of guys that are trying to get into that spot. Competition’s fierce, but knowing that there is a spot available means a potential avenue there if you perform.

Dwarshuis also said that forming effective partnerships with fellow bowlers and supporting the team’s plans are important factors in securing a regular place in the national setup.

Franchise cricket and selection hopes

The 31-year-old was signed by Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings for 44 million Indian rupees ($472,462). He said franchise tournaments now serve as a major platform for players seeking international recognition, given the level of attention these competitions attract.

Anytime you take the field and have an opportunity to perform, there’s always going to be eyes watching, whether it’s from Australia or other leagues,

With the viewership these competitions get, it’s very easy to have a couple of good years and everyone’s talking about you. But then if you’re not performing well, that sort of viewership leads to maybe less opportunities there.

Dwarshuis is the second-highest wicket-taker in Big Bash League history with 164 wickets. Punjab Kings are currently fifth in the IPL standings and began their campaign with a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, although Dwarshuis did not feature in that match.

He said the Punjab squad has considerable depth, with New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson still to join the side, but added that he remains confident in the range he offers as a bowler.

a three-phase bowler and can bowl anytime throughout the 20 overs.

When asked which wicket he would value most this season, Dwarshuis identified India batting great Virat Kohli. He also said that regularly dismissing top-order batters would significantly strengthen his case to become a regular member of Australia’s T20 squad, particularly in high-pressure matches.