IPL 2018: Laughlin eyeing good IPL season for national team recall

Bowling on Indian pitches is challenging, says Ben Laughlin.

Laughlin has fared well for Rajasthan till now. (IANS)

Australian fast bowler Ben Laughlin, who mainly plays T20 cricket at both International and domestic level, is aiming to get better and prove his mettle during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 to get back into the national side.

The 35-year-old exceptional pace bowler, who was picked up by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Rs.50 lakh in the IPL Auction 2018, wants to give his best to the franchise to make national comeback, as ‘IPL has helped many cricketers get into their national teams’, and he is confident that Australian selectors would be certainly keeping close eyes on the mega T20 carnival.

Meanwhile, the star pacer of the T20 Cricket is not only playing gentlemen’s game but also a carpenter off the field. Before heading to India for the IPL 2018, Ben had to convey his clients that he would complete their orders once he returns.

As per reports in Hindustan Times, Laughlin who has played 3 T20I and 5 One Day International for Australia, and has 141 wickets in 111 domestic T20 matches, told reporters, “I love my job apart from cricket. In India, I miss my tools but holding that cricket ball and bowling for Royals is giving me a high.”

Commenting on Indian condition and pitches, Ben said, “The wickets in Australia offer bounce which makes it easy for a quick bowler. Bowling on Indian pitches is challenging as one has to adjust and bowl accordingly. The heat makes it more difficult but eventually it is wonderful to challenge your limits.”

However, the Aussie has not represented the national side since 2013, but has been recognized as one of the best bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL). In the IPL 2018 so far, the fast bowler has taken six wickets in five matches while rested for the victorious clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

He further added, “I am looking to make a comeback to the Australia team. IPL has helped many cricketers get into their national teams; I am also looking at it with that frame of mind. It has been so much learning being around Shane (Warne). I would like to get better and prove my mettle.”

Apart from BBL, and IPL, Laughlin has also played in the Pakistan Super League, New Zealand’s Super Smash, Sri Lanka Premier League, and Caribbean Premier League.

Laughlin signed off by saying, “I have played in different conditions in various T20 leagues. Spinners are doing well in IPL at the moment but economical fast bowlers hold the key and will make a difference in the end.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 25 Apr, 2018

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