Benjamin Colin James Cutting, born on January 30, 1987, is an Australian cricketer renowned for his impressive skills as an all-rounder. With a career spanning various formats of the game, Cutting has left a lasting impact in the world of cricket.
A Remarkable Domestic Career
Ben Cutting began his cricketing journey in first-class cricket, representing the Queensland Bulls. His debut for Queensland against Tasmania in the 2007–08 season marked the inception of a promising career. Despite a somewhat shaky start with his first ball going for five wides, Cutting demonstrated his potential by taking three wickets, including the crucial wicket of Michael Di Venuto.
In the 2009–10 season, Cutting emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers, amassing 25 wickets in his first six matches. His outstanding performance raised hopes of a potential call-up to represent Australia in Test cricket. He concluded the season as the leading wicket-taker with an impressive record of 46 wickets at an average of 23.91. Among his notable feats was a career-best performance of 6/37 against Tasmania, which fuelled speculations of his international debut.
However, after a highly successful run in the first-class format, Cutting made a significant career decision. On April 3, 2018, he announced his retirement from first-class and List A cricket. This retirement allowed him to focus on the Twenty20 format of the game and to pursue his business interests.
Global T20 Leagues and International Debut
Ben Cutting’s prowess in the T20 format made him a sought-after player in various global T20 leagues. His debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2016 saw him play a pivotal role in the finals match, which favored the Sunrisers Hyderabad. This early success in the IPL set the tone for a successful T20 career in franchise cricket.
In January 2018, Cutting was acquired by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL auction, further solidifying his presence in the league.
He expanded his T20 footprint globally. In June 2019, Cutting was selected to represent the Edmonton Royals franchise in the 2019 Global T20 Canada tournament. Later that year, he was named in the Amsterdam Knights squad for the inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam cricket tournament. Despite the tournament’s unfortunate cancellation, Cutting’s versatility as a player continued to garner attention.
The Australian all-rounder’s T20 journey also saw him play for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League in 2020. In February 2021, he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auction for the 2021 Indian Premier League season.
T20 Cricket: A Global Pursuit
Cutting’s journey in T20 franchise cricket transcended geographical boundaries. His dynamic skills and impactful performances ensured that he remained a valuable asset in various T20 leagues worldwide.
In July 2022, Cutting signed with the Dambulla Giants for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League, further emphasizing his global appeal as a T20 cricketer.
A Cricketing Trailblazer
Ben Cutting’s cricketing journey is a testament to his versatility as an all-rounder and his ability to excel on the global stage. His remarkable performances have established him as a cricketing trailblazer, and his presence in T20 leagues across the world continues to enthuse fans and inspire budding cricketers. With his flair for the game and a bright future ahead, Cutting remains a name to watch in the world of T20 cricket.
