Australia have added leg spinning all rounder Nikhil Chaudhary to their squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.
The 30 year old received his first call up after strong performances in domestic cricket. He was part of the Hobart Hurricanes side in the latest Big Bash League season, where he played alongside Bangladesh spinner Rishad Hossain.
Australia and Bangladesh will meet in a three match T20I series in Chattogram on June 17, 19 and 21.
If Nikhil makes his debut, he will become the first India born player to represent Australia in international cricket since Rex Sellers played for the country in 1964.
Australia have previously selected players with Indian roots. Gurinder Sandhu and Tanveer Sangha both played for Australia. However, both were born in Australia.
Nikhil’s story is different. He was born and raised in Delhi before moving to Australia. He also played several matches for Punjab in Indian domestic cricket during the early stages of his career.
His selection now puts him on the verge of a rare achievement. More than six decades have passed since an India born cricketer last played for Australia. Nikhil could soon end that long wait.
Australia have made the change ahead of the T20I series as they look to finish their tour of Bangladesh on a strong note.
Australia’s T20I squad:
Mitchell Marsh, Xavier Bartlett, Nikhil Chaudhary, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Joel Davies, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw and Adam Zampa
