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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.

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Ben Horne

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Cricket

Indian speed freak could threaten future of Aussie IPL stars

Australia’s ageing top order could have its reflexes tested by the rampaging force of one of the quickest bowlers cricket has seen – and they’re not the only ones who should be alarmed.

Sport

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 08: Will Pucovski of Australia A lies injured after been struck in the helmet off the bowling of Kartik Tyagi of India A during day three of the International Tour match between Australia A and India A at Drummoyne Oval on December 08, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Inside the messy battle to stop Pucovski being a one-Test wonder

A panel of concussion experts will convene next month to rule on Will Pucovski’s cricket future. It’s possible he may never play again, but that’s just the start of explaining his complicated battle.

Cricket

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 10: Steve Smith of Australia looks to bat during day three of the Second Test in the series between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval on March 10, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

‘Improvement to come’: Smith’s future as opener revealed

Australian selector George Bailey has delivered his verdict on the Steve Smith’s move to open the batting. BEN HORNE analyses CA’s central contract list, which includes several new faces.

WA Cricket

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 08: Scorchers head coach Adam Voges looks on prior to the BBL match between Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers at GIANTS Stadium, on January 08, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Analysis: Why WA dynasty builder should be next Aussie coach

National coach Andrew McDonald is potentially entering into his final 24 months in charge. BEN HORNE unpacks why Cricket Australia should make Adam Voges an immediate priority in succession planning.

Cricket

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Brisbane Heat hold aloft the BBL trophy and celebrate victory during the BBL Final match between Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat at Sydney Cricket Ground, on January 24, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Why BBL championship-winning coach will leave the Heat

Brisbane Heat won their first BBL championship in a decade this year, but one of the key members of their successful run won’t be back next season. Find out why inside.

Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore's wicket keeper Richa Ghosh (L) stumps the wicket of UP Warriorz's Kiran Navgire (R) during the Women's Premier League (WPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and UP Warriorz at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP)

Back shed to $900m showpiece: How an Aussie dad hit stumps jackpot

From his back shed in the Hawkesbury region, a Sydney dad has created a centrepiece of one of world cricket’s major events, the concept of which is the brainchild of a former NSW Blues cricketer and legendary Balmain Tiger, writes BEN HORNE.

Cricket

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Will Pucovski of the Bushrangers leaves the field after being struck during the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Victoria at Blundstone Arena, on March 03, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Pucovski’s career hangs in the balance

The future of one-time Australian opener, and Australia’s next rising star, Will Pucovski is in the balance as the 26-year-old switches focus once again to rehabilitation deciding to withdraw from immediate cricket commitments. BEN HORNE reports.

Cricket

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 06: Joe Root of England congratulates Steve Smith of Australia after Australia claimed victory during day five of the Second Test match during the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 6, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Root’s subtle social media sledge of Smith experiment

From one great to another, Joe Root has taken a cryptic dig at Steve Smith to add fuel to an already burning fire ahead of Australia’s most important home Test series in years.

Women's Cricket

WEEKEND TELEGRAPHS SPECIAL. MARCH 8, 2024. PLEASE CONTACT WEEKEND PIC EDITOR JEFF DARMANIN BEFORE PUBLISHING.Pictured at Cricket NSW today is Lauren Cheatle, NSW and Australian Cricketer who has recently gone through her second episode of skin cancer. Picture: Tim Hunter.

‘It’s not too bad’: How star still smiling despite five-figure loss

Four shoulder reconstructions, two cancer fights, and a five-figure loss – you’d forgive Lauren Cheatle for being be consumed by her own problems. But, as BEN HORNE writes, she’s found the way to keep life in perspective.

UPDATEDSuperCoach

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Blake Lawrie of the Dragons runs the ball during the round six NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium on April 09, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Late Mail: Dragons star suffers injury blow

The Dragons have received mixed news ahead of their Titans clash, with one star cleared of injury, while another has been ruled out. See all the late team changes here.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/journalists/ben-horne/page/28