Ben Hilfenhaus was born on March 15, 1983, in Tasmania. His storey began with him laying bricks at a building site and ended with him sharing the new ball with the country’s Test team.
Background
When the Commonwealth Bank cricket academy gave him a scholarship, the burly fast bowler’s life changed for the better. In 2002-03, he was awarded a rookie contract after leaving no stone unturned in turning this chance into gold.
He soon earned a place in the Tasmanian team for the Pura Cup, which was then known as the Sheffield Shield, thanks to some eye-catching appearances.
Debut
In what turned out to be a coming-of-age season for Hilfenhaus, he took an incredible 60 wickets in the 2006-07 Sheffield Shield, winning him the coveted Ricky Ponting medal for Tasmania.
In addition, in January 2007, he received his first call-up to the Australian National team for ODIs and T20s.
He made his debut against New Zealand at his home ground, the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, where he took Brendon McCullum’s coveted scalp. The icing on the cake came the next month, when he was elected Bradman young cricketer of the year at Cricket Australia’s annual awards.
Rise to Glory
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His career was hampered by bad luck and a string of injuries until 2009, when he was able to make the Australian Test team for the season. Hilfenhaus didn’t have a particularly successful series, taking just seven wickets, but he impressed everybody with his impeccable line and length and ability to handle a heavy workload.
Hilfenhaus’ art was on show during the Ashes of English season, when he demonstrated his ability to swing the ball both directions and reverse swing the old ball. About the fact that Australia lost the series, Hilfenhaus should be proud of his 22 wickets.
Despite repeated injuries, the paceman put in outstanding performances against Pakistan and India, retaining his spot in the side.
Low Point
Hilfenhaus was left out of the squad for the Sri Lanka tour after a frustrating home Ashes, with selector Greg Chappell declaring him unfit to complete the tour. He lost a lot of speed as a result of his injury, rendering him much less dangerous.
Despite this, he returned to torment India’s batting line-up in 2011, taking 27 wickets in a 4-0 whitewash. Another round of casualties was unavoidable.
T20 Club Career
Injuries plagued Hilfenhaus throughout his career, but he still managed to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2012 IPL, establishing himself as one of their top bowlers. He went on to play for the Mumbai Indians after enjoying individual success with the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.