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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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Sport

Will Pucovski is set for a move into the commentary box. Picture: Getty

Cricket prodigy’s next move revealed after tragic retirement

Following the sad early retirement of Australian cricket star Will Pucovski, the prodigious talent is set to make an immediate switch this summer.

Cricket

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Will Pucovski of Victoria bats during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria at SCG, on February 17, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Pucovski retirement blindsides cricket bosses

Despite acknowledging ongoing conversations with Will Pucovski for a long time, it’s understood Cricket Victoria were unaware he was announcing his retirement until it aired on radio.

Cricket

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 09: Sam Konstas of New South Wales looks on during the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and New South Wales at The Gabba, on February 09, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Selectors’ challenge to Konstas amid Test future uncertainty

Selectors have delivered a message to Sam Konstas, Steve Smith has been sent an SOS for New South Wales’ Shield tilt and Queensland has suffered a huge blow.

Cricket

Shirtfront India, make NSW great again: CA boss’ biggest challenges

India. Franchise cricket. Privatising the Big Bash. BEN HORNE lists the seven short balls the new Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg needs to navigate as he steps into the hot seat.

Cricket

Austin Waugh playing for Randwick Petersham. Picture: Peter Bannigan

How Test legend’s son fell back in love with cricket

Austin Waugh, the son of Test legend Stephen, is back from the wilderness. And, after falling back in love with cricket, he is once again following his dream of becoming a professional cricketer.

Sport

Australia's captain Steve Smith has retired from one-day cricket. Picture: Getty

Unexpected silver lining to Smith’s bombshell ODI retirement

Steve Smith’s retirement from Australia’s one-day team leaves an enormous hole in the middle order – but it does come with a significant silver lining.

Sport

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 04: Steve Smith of Australia bats during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi final between India and Australia at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 04, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Changing of the guard begins as Smith retires from ODIs

Steve Smith has made a huge call on his future in Australia’s One Day International team, and, as BEN HORNE reveals, he might be the first domino to fall before the next World Cup.

Sport

TOPSHOT - Australia's Glenn Maxwell (L) reacts after a delivery during the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 22, 2025. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP)

Report Card: Australia forced to confront awkward Maxi question

A competitive Champions Trophy exit was a reasonable return for an undermanned team. But there are plenty of questions to be asked ahead of the 2027 World Cup, writes Ben Horne.

Sport

Steve Smith and his Australian side have a lot of questions to answer. Picture: Getty

Australia’s nightmare opener dilemma as mystery spinner looms

A semi-final showdown is shaping as the ultimate Champions Trophy challenge – with India enjoying a dream preparation while an under-manned Australia mull on their latest injury blow.

ExclusiveCricket

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Mitch Owen of the Hurricanes celebrates scoring a century during the BBL The Final match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium on January 27, 2025 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Cricket cash grab: Inside Australia’s bold billion-dollar BBL plan

A pitch to privatise the Big Bash League could enhance Australia’s T20 competition and provide it with the war chest to properly compete with overseas franchise leagues.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/ben-horne/page/2