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Peter Handscomb is a popular Australian cricketer who has made significant contributions to the sport. He is best known for his role as the captain of the Victoria cricket team, where he has led from the front with his impressive performances. Handscomb is a middle-order batsman and occasional wicket keeper, who has represented Australia in all three formats of the game.
Born on 26 April 1991, in Melbourne, Peter Stephen Patrick Handscomb was exposed to cricket at an early age. Both of his parents are English immigrants to Australia, and this allowed him to develop an interest in cricket, which is a popular sport in England.
As a child, Handscomb played both tennis and cricket but eventually chose to pursue a career in cricket. He played for Victoria at under-17 and under-19 levels, representing the Australian under-19 cricket team during Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in October 2009.
Despite several setbacks early in his domestic career, including being dropped from the Victorian squad due to poor form, he continued to work hard on his game. In the 2014-15 season, he finally made his breakthrough by scoring three centuries and averaging an impressive 53.91 for Victoria.
Handscomb's excellent performance caught the attention of national selectors and earned him a spot in the Australian team for their tour of Bangladesh in September 2016. He made his Test debut on November 24 later that year against South Africa at Adelaide Oval.
He had an immediate impact with an average of nearly 100 runs after four Test matches during his debut year. His most memorable innings came against Pakistan when he scored his maiden Test century in Day/Night Test match at Gabba - becoming the first batsman ever to do so.
Since then, he's represented Australia across all formats of the game, including being selected for the 2019 Cricket World Cup squad. However, he has had periods of being in and out of the Test team due to inconsistent performances.
Handscomb's unique playing style involves playing deep in his crease, close to the stumps, which gives him more time to react to the ball. However, this strategy can make him vulnerable against certain types of bowlers who use sideways movement.
Overall, Handscomb has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket as well as in international cricket. He has scored nine half-centuries and two centuries in his Test career so far. In ODIs, Handscomb scored an impressive 82 runs on debut against Pakistan in 2017 and also hit his first century in an ODI match against India at Mohali in March 2019.
Handscomb is also a versatile player who can bat anywhere from No.3 to No.6 depending on team requirements. His leadership skills came into play when he was appointed captain of Australia A in early 2016, where he led by example with his performances on the field.Off the field, Handscomb is known for his calm demeanour and friendly personality. He is actively involved with charities and often takes part in various social causes.
Peter Handscomb has been a significant contributor to the Australian cricket team's success in major tournaments. He played a crucial role in Australia's campaign during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by England. Handscomb scored 227 runs at an average of 56.75, including two half-centuries, in the tournament.
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Handscomb played a vital role as well. He scored 82 runs off just 84 balls in the opening match against New Zealand, helping Australia chase down a target of 292 with ease. However, Australia could not make it past the group stage.
Handscomb's contributions were also significant during Australia's successful campaign in the ICC World T20 2016 held in India. He scored an unbeaten 30 off just 13 balls against Bangladesh, helping Australia win by three wickets and qualify for the semi-finals.
Apart from his performances in ICC tournaments, Handscomb has also impressed in domestic T20 leagues around the world. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has represented Delhi Daredevils (now rebranded as Delhi Capitals) and Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct). His highest score of 37 came while playing for Delhi Daredevils against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
As a middle-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, Peter Handscomb plays an essential role for his teams both on and off the field. He is known for his unique batting style of playing deep inside his crease near to stumps which gives him more time to react to deliveries but makes him susceptible to pace bowlers who move sideways.
Despite this limitation, Handscomb possesses excellent technique and shot selection skills that allow him to cover up his weaknesses effectively. He is capable of playing both attacking and defensive cricket, depending on the match situation. Handscomb also possesses good tactical awareness, which helps him to adapt to different situations quickly.
As a wicketkeeper, Handscomb is not a regular option for Australia, but he has been known to keep in domestic cricket. He has also proven himself as an excellent slip fielder and has taken some impressive catches throughout his career.
Peter Handscomb is known for his calm and composed demeanour both on and off the field. He is an intelligent cricketer who takes a strategic approach to the game and leads by example. His leadership qualities have earned him captaincy roles both in domestic cricket and international cricket.
Off the field, Handscomb has a keen interest in photography and has shared some of his stunning photos on social media platforms. He is also an avid traveller who loves exploring new places around the world.
Handscomb's brand endorsements include being an ambassador for ASICS shoes. However, he keeps a low profile when it comes to his personal life, choosing not to share much about his family or private affairs with the public.
In summary, Peter Handscomb's unique batting style, tactical awareness, and ability to play across formats make him a valuable asset for any team he represents. His calm personality and strategic approach have made him a successful leader as well, while his interests outside of cricket add depth to his persona beyond just his success on the field.
Peter Handscomb's consistent performances in both domestic cricket and international matches have made him one of the most reliable middle-order batsmen for Australia. He has been a great asset to the Australian cricket team with his calm temperament, strong technique, and sound judgement.
One of his defining moments came during his Test debut against South Africa in 2016, where he scored a crucial 54-run knock that helped Australia win the match. Handscomb went on to score his maiden Test century against Pakistan in the Day/Night Test match at Gabba, becoming the first cricketer in history to achieve this feat.
Handscomb's contribution as captain of the Victoria cricket team and Middlesex County Cricket Club was significant in leading these teams to victories. His skills as a wicketkeeper also add value to any team he plays for.
Handscomb's playing style has influenced several young cricketers who have started playing deep into their crease like him. He is known for his remarkable ability to read bowlers' intentions and play them accordingly.
Peter Handscomb has received several accolades throughout his career as a cricketer. In 2014-15, he won the Bill Lawry Medal for Victoria's Sheffield Shield Player of the Year after scoring three centuries in six games.
In early 2016, he was appointed captain of Australia A during their tour of India. Later that year, he became Victoria's youngest-ever captain at age 24. During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he captained Middlesex County Cricket Club.
Handscomb's unbeaten century against Perth Scorchers while playing for Melbourne Stars in BBL04 earned him Player of the Match honours. In addition to this, he holds a record for being Australia's third-highest scorer on ODI debut after scoring 82 runs against Pakistan.
Peter Handscomb has been a valuable player for the Australian cricket team with his consistent performances over the years. His calm temperament, sound technique, and strong judgement make him an asset to any team he plays for. His deep-in-the-crease playing style has influenced several young cricketers, and his skills as a wicketkeeper add value to his team's performance.
Despite being dropped from the Australian Test team during the 2017-18 Ashes series, Handscomb proved his worth by making a comeback into the side and playing all four Tests of the Australian tour of India in February 2023. With more than ten years of experience as a professional cricketer, Handscomb continues to be an integral part of the Australian cricket team's middle order.
FAQs
When did Peter Handscomb make his debut in first-class cricket?
Peter debuted for Victoria in 2011, scoring a well-composed knock of 71 at the Gabba.
When did Peter Handscomb make his ODI debut?
Handscomb made his One Day Internationals (ODI) debut in Perth on 19 January 2017 against Pakistan and was presented with his ODI cap by Adam Gilchrist.
What is Handscomb's highest score in Test matches?
His highest score in Test matches is 110.
What is Handscomb's batting average in Test matches?
Handscomb has an average of 37.20 in Test cricket.
What is Handscomb's highest score in ODIs?
His highest score in ODIs is 117.
How many centuries and half-centuries has Handscomb scored in First-Class cricket?
Handscomb has scored 20 centuries and 52 half-centuries in First-Class cricket.
When did Peter Handscomb make his international debut?
His international debut was in a Test match against the Proteas on November 24th, 2016, he scored an impressive 54 in the first innings.
