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Ben HorneChief Cricket Writer

Ben Horne is Chief Cricket Writer for News Corp and CODE Sports and for the past decade has been covering cricket’s biggest series and stories. As the national sport, cricket has a special relationship with Australians who feel a sense of ownership over the Test team. From selection shocks to scandals, upset losses to triumphant victories, Ben tells the stories that matter in Australian cricket.

@BenHorne8

Ben Horne

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Cricket

Finch injury opens door for captain Smith

STEVE Smith is on the verge of a shock appointment as World Twenty20 captain due to a leadership conundrum involving the injured Aaron Finch.

Cricket

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Shane Watson of Australia bats during the International Twenty20 match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 31, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Watson’s incredible IPL payday – with a catch

SHANE Watson has scored Australia’s second highest IPL payday behind the great Shane Warne as Bangalore sealed the deal with a mind-boggling sum.

Cricket

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 06: Adam Zampa (R) and Steve Smith (L) of Australia celebrate the wicket of Kane Williamson of New Zealand during game two of the one day international series between New Zealand and Australia at Westpac Stadium on February 6, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

Debutant Zampa’s lovely tribute to Hughes

ADAM Zampa honoured close mate Phillip Hughes with an impressive international debut that could see him spin into Australia’s World Twenty20 squad.

Cricket

Adam Zampa (third from left) reacts after the ball deflected off his nose to dismiss Peter Neville during the Renegades versus Stars Big Bash League match at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL ONLY

Meet Australia’s next larrikin leggie

AUSTRALIA should celebrate not only the rarity of a leg-spinner making his international debut, but the fact Zampa is set to carry on Australia’s rich history of larrikin tweakers.

Cricket

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 08: David Warner of Australia and Usman Khawaja of Australia look on during an Australian Training Session at Trent Bridge on July 8, 2013 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Why Ussie’s laughing all the way to the bank

USMAN Khawaja has plenty to smile about after finally earning a recall to Australia’s ODI team and a potential cash windfall could be the icing on the cake.

Cricket

Junior pace duo now feared willow wielders

FROM right-arm opening bowlers to two of the world’s most devastating left-hand top order batsmen, Usman Khawaja and Dave Warner are set to reunite for Australia.

Cricket

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Ishant Sharma of India celebrates taking the wicket of Aaron Finch of Australia during game five of the Commonwealth Bank One Day Series match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 23, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Finch doesn’t help NZ case with meek dismissal

SELECTORS look set to bench Aaron Finch for the tour of New Zealand, and on Saturday the opener did little to convince them they should change their minds.

Cricket

FILE - In this March 21, 2015 file photo, West Indies Chris Gayle waves his bat to the crowd as he leaves the field after he was dismissed for 61 runs while batting against New Zealand during their Cricket World Cup quarterfinal match in Wellington, New Zealand. The head of Cricket Australia has joined the criticism of Gayle’s suggestive comments to a female reporter during an interview broadcast live on Australian television, saying the former West Indies captain’s behavior bordered on harassment and were inappropriate in the workplace. After scoring 41 from 15 deliveries in the Melbourne Renegades win over the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League on Monday, Jan. 1, 2016, the former West Indies captain suggested to television reporter Mel McLaughlin that the pair go out for a drink and made remarks about her appearance during a post-innings interview. He added, “Don’t blush, baby” during an awkward pause in the interview. (AP Photo/Ross Setford, File)

Gayle’s contract could still be torn up

CHRIS Gayle’s cards have been marked ‘never to return’ to the BBL with Cricket Australia livid over his sleazy behaviour and lack of contrition, and now set to block any club wanting to sign him.

AnalysisCricket

CRICKET - THIRD TEST - DAY 3 - Australia v New Zealand in the historic first Day / Night Test match held at The Adelaide Oval. Mitchell Marsh walks off after getting out for 28 runs Bowled Mitchell Santner caught by Kane Williamson Photo Sarah Reed.

He’s the luckiest man in Aussie cricket

MITCHELL Marsh is set to keep his spot for Boxing Day despite damning numbers, with a twist in the selection battle between Joe Burns and Shaun Marsh.

Cricket

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Pat Cummins of Australia bowls during day two of the tour match between Northamptonshire and Australia at The County Ground on August 15, 2015 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Cummins loss deepens Australia woes

THE ramifications of Australia’s fast bowling crisis have deepened even further amid news Pat Cummins is now no chance of being fit for the World T20.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/ben-horne/page/108