Carpenter Ben loves to rattle wood
FOR A QUICK BUCK Royals pacer takes break from work to play IPL
CHANDIGARH: Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Ben Laughlin has taken a break from his work till the time Indian Premier League (IPL) ends.
Before coming to India, the 35-year-old lanky bowler, who makes a living working as carpenter, had conveyed to his clients in Noosa that he won’t be available to make their furniture and would complete the order only on return.
“I love my job of carpenter. While I am in India, I miss my tools but holding that cricket ball and bowling for Rajasthan Royals is giving me a high,” said Laughlin, who was bought by Rajasthan Royals for ~50 lakh in the auction.
Making most of the IPL experience and getting to savour the Indian delicacies, Laughlin is adjusting to the Indian pitches and extreme heat.
“The wickets back in Australia offer bounce which makes it a bit easy for a quick bowler. Bowling on Indian pitches is challenging, one has to adjust and bowl accordingly. I have enjoyed bowling on different venues this season. The heat makes it a tad more difficult but then eventually it is wonderful to challenge your limits,” said Laughlin in an exclusive chat.
The pace bowler grew up in a cricketing environment in Queensland, bowling to his father Trevor Laughlin in the backyard. Trevor played three Tests for Australia.
Rajasthan Royals made it to the IPL after a two-year suspension and had to drop Steven
Smith as captain due to balltampering fiasco.
India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane stepped into Smith’s shoes and has been leading the team.
‘AJINKYA’S DONE WELL’
“Having Stevee would have been a great thing for us. But I think Ajinkya has done a fine job in his absence. He has been calm and collected in his approach and has been really backing everyone in the team. The team is picking up under his leadership and the presence of Shane Warne has done further good.
“With a couple of more wins under our belt, Rajasthan Royals will march on towards the final stages of the competition,” remarked Laughlin, who went on to play for Australia, in the limited-overs format in 2009 and gradually progressed into becoming a specialist in the shorter version of the game.
He made his T20 International debut for Australia way back in 2009.
He has not represented Australia since 2013 but has since then established himself as one of the best bowlers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
An expert in death bowling, Laughlin, who represents Adelaide Strikers, has 109 T20 matches to his credit and has picked 140 wickets—the maximum in BBL.
‘AIMING A COMEBACK’
“I am very much looking to making a comeback in the Australian team. IPL has helped many cricketers get into the national teams of their respective countries. I am also looking at IPL with that frame of mind. It has been so much learning being around Shane (Warne). I would like to become better in the coming games and prove my mettle,” said Laughlin, who was rested in the game against Mumbai Indians which Rajasthan Royals won by three wickets in a thrilling-finish on Sunday.
Laughlin has five scalps in five matches so far in IPL.
The pace bowler, who is mentored by former Queensland bowler and coach Joe Dawes, has played for Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyerabad in the past editions of IPL.
A T20 expert, Laughlin has also played in Pakistan Super League, New Zealand’s Super Smash and also in Caribbean Premiere League.
“I have played cricket in different conditions in various T20 leagues. Spinners are doing well in IPL at the moment. But I think economical fast bowlers will hold the key and make a difference in the end,” felt Laughlin.
Having Smith would have been a great thing for us. But I think Ajinkya has done a fine job in his absence. He has been calm and collected BEN LAUGHLIN, RR paceman