Australian cricket has seen its fair share of talented individuals gracing the sport, and Benjamin Reginald McDermott, born on December 12, 1994, is one such rising star. Representing the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and Queensland in Australian domestic cricket, McDermott has already carved a niche for himself in the cricketing world. Let’s take a closer look at the journey and achievements of this promising cricketer.
Early Days and Cricket Roots
Ben McDermott’s cricketing genes run deep in his family. He is the son of the legendary Australian Test cricketer Craig McDermott and the younger brother of Alister McDermott. His family moved to the Gold Coast when he was just seven years old, and it was here that the two McDermott siblings began their journey in junior cricket, playing for Runaway Bay and Broadbeach.
Ben McDermott’s cricketing prowess began to shine early in his life. He made his first XI debut for The Southport School in year 9 and left a significant mark by scoring a remarkable double-century for the Gold Coast Dolphins at the under-17 level. His talent was further recognized when he represented Australia in Youth One Day Internationals at the Under-19 level. A unique moment in his career came when he had the opportunity to play alongside his brother in the 2014 Prime Minister’s XI match against England.
Emerging as a T20 Star
Ben McDermott’s journey into professional cricket took off when he made his Twenty20 debut on January 18, 2014, playing for the Brisbane Heat against the Adelaide Strikers. This marked the beginning of a promising career in the shorter format of the game.
One of the standout moments in McDermott’s T20 career came on January 12, 2017, while representing the Hobart Hurricanes against the Melbourne Renegades in the 2016-17 Big Bash League season. In this match, he showcased his exceptional batting skills by scoring a memorable maiden T20 century. His blistering 114 runs off 52 balls, including 9 sixes and 8 fours, left a lasting impression. This century was not only a personal milestone but also the third-fastest century in the history of the Big Bash League. He was rightfully awarded the player of the match for his outstanding performance, helping the Hurricanes chase down a daunting target of 223 runs.
Stepping into First-Class Cricket
McDermott’s journey in first-class cricket began to take shape in March 2017 when he scored his maiden first-class century, making 104 runs for Tasmania in round 10 of the 2016-17 Sheffield Shield season. This milestone marked a transition to the longer format of the game, and it showcased his ability to excel in multi-day matches.
Global T20 Stint
On June 3, 2018, Ben McDermott was selected to play for the Winnipeg Hawks in the players’ draft for the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada tournament. This opportunity allowed him to gain valuable international experience while representing a franchise in a competitive T20 league.
International Cricket Debut
Ben McDermott’s skills didn’t go unnoticed by the Australian selectors. In October 2018, he was named in Australia’s Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the series against Pakistan. His debut for Australia in T20I cricket took place on October 22, 2018, in a one-off match against the United Arab Emirates.
In November 2018, he received further recognition when he was added to Australia’s One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against South Africa. While he didn’t make his ODI debut at that time, it was a significant milestone in his journey.
Continuing Success and Records
Ben McDermott’s career continued to thrive, and he consistently showcased his skills in various domestic tournaments. His consistent performances made him one of the six cricketers to watch in the 2019-20 Marsh One-Day Cup.
In December 2021, McDermott etched his name in history by becoming the first player to hit back-to-back centuries in the Big Bash League. He also became the first player to score three centuries in the tournament, a testament to his incredible batting prowess.
In March 2022, during a match against Pakistan, McDermott achieved another milestone by scoring his first century in ODI cricket, making 104 runs. Although the match ended in a loss for Australia, his century was a remarkable personal achievement.
A New Chapter with Hampshire Hawks
In February 2022, Ben McDermott embarked on a new chapter in his career by signing with the Hampshire Hawks for the 2022 Vitality Blast season. This move allowed him to experience cricket in a different setting while representing a new franchise.
Returning to Queensland
In May 2023, McDermott made a return to Queensland for the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield season. This return to his roots signified his continued commitment to domestic cricket and his home state.
Conclusion
Benjamin Reginald McDermott’s journey in Australian cricket is one that showcases talent, dedication, and a passion for the game. His ability to excel in both the shorter formats and first-class cricket highlights his versatility as a cricketer. As he continues to make strides in his career, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his further contributions to the sport.
McDermott’s journey is a testament to the rich cricketing tradition of Australia and the nurturing of young talents in the nation. His remarkable achievements and consistency in various formats make him a player to watch in the coming years. The future holds great promise for this talented cricketer, and his dedication and passion for the sport bode well for his continued success.
