‘Real courage’: Family heartache that drove Ben Dwarshuis’ starring hand in Sydney Sixers’ Big Bash opener

Behind the Sixers’ impressive win over the Renegades was a tragic tale which is driving the club and their stars this season. They spoke of the unimaginable grief inspiring Ben Dwarshuis.

It’s not often the pure elation of a wicket celebration can tell as much of a story as it did with Sydney Sixers bowler Ben Dwarshuis on Friday night at the SCG.

Following a late call-up to Australia’s T20 tour of India, where he took five wickets in two matches, Dwarshuis returned home this week to the devastating news that his father, Gerard, had suddenly passed away.

For the 29-year-old and his family, it sparked unimaginable grief. And the Sixers were ready to support Dwarshuis through this tough time.

However, in the final team meeting on Thursday before their season opener, the left-arm quick confirmed that he still wanted to play. It led to an emotional speech from Greg Shipperd, who has been Dwarshuis’ coach at the Sixers for nearly a decade.

“We’ve had a pretty similar squad together for a long time now,” Josh Philippe said.

“We all spend a lot of time together over this period, and we all just got around him. We’ve always got his back and we’re gonna keep making sure that he’s okay.”

While playing a game of cricket would have been somewhat of a welcome distraction for Dwarshuis, it also reignited his competitive fire to help guide the Sixers to victory.

He finished with match-leading figures of 3-36, including the crucial wicket of Jake Fraser-McGurk, while also bowling the final over of the match to secure the win.

Smart bowling from Ben Dwarshuis! #BBL13pic.twitter.com/06DF4Hm7fr

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 8, 2023

For Steve Smith, it was as brave a performance as he’s seen.

“He’s had a really tough week and it was up to him to play tonight,” Smith said. “He was keen to get out and play.

“So that showed real courage I suppose. He did a great job tonight like he’s done for numerous years for us.

“He got key wickets at key stages. Frase was playing nicely and he executed that ball really beautifully to get him out.”

With his family watching on from a corporate area, proudly displaying a framed photo of Gerard, Dwarshuis quickly went to meet them once his final ball had been bowled.

Dwarshuis celebrates the win with teammate James Vince. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

But it was his second family, adorned in magenta on the field, who helped carry him throughout the match.

His black armband was a tangible reminder that Gerard was there with him as he produced an incredible spell of bowling. While the smile that was ensconced on his face was a reminder that cricket is far more than just a game.

“We’re a big family here, we’re all really good mates and it’s just great to have him back in this group,” Philippe said.

“We’re all super proud that he could come out tonight and do an incredible job for us in relatively tough conditions.”

Originally published as ‘Real courage’: Family heartache that drove Ben Dwarshuis’ starring hand in Sydney Sixers’ Big Bash opener