Young Ben keeps the flag flying for the McDermott family

Denzil Pinto 11:47 17/02/2014
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  • Different strokes: Ben McDermott fared well in Australia's opener, scoring 45 runs.

    From the day he was born, it was only a matter of time before Australia’s Ben McDermott took up cricket. After all, the 19-year-old hails from a family where cricket has been a passion.

    His father Craig was one of the best bowlers of his generation and elder brother Alister was a member of the Australia side that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2010. 

    Rather than following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps with the ball, Ben has taken up the gloves and the decision has proved to be a correct choice.

    He has enjoyed a couple of good months after being selected in the Prime Minister’s XI against England last month, as well as playing in the 2013 T20 Big Bash with Brisbane Heat, and is now part of the 15-man squad for the under-19 World Cup in UAE.

    “As a junior in my early days, I tried everything in cricket – bowling, wicketkeeping and batting. The wicketkeeping came pretty natural for me and have pretty good hands and plus I love batting,” said Ben.

    “It’s a bit tough to play after my father. He’s a bowler and I’m a batsman/wicketkeeper and we are a bit different in a way.”

    When asked if Craig still bowls to him, Ben’s reply jovial, sating: “No, he doesn’t bowl. He’s a bit too old for that." 

    Ben, known as a hard-hitting batsman, scored four boundaries in his 45 in Australia’s 101-win over Namibia, and said he has benefited from his father’s advice.

    “With him being a bowler and playing a lot of games, he (Craig) has given me tips on ways of not getting out and I work from that which is definitely a big help,” said Ben.

    The senior McDermott, now the bowling coach of the national team, claimed 291 wickets in 71 Tests.

    Ben is looking to take advantage of the ongoing World Cup with hope of playing for the senior team.

    “It’s good to be playing here (in UAE). This is a stepping stage of being a professional cricket so it’s a good platform for us to get into the national side."

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