List Of India-Born Cricketers Who Have Played International Cricket For Australia

Nikhil Chaudhary [Source: @AussiesArmy/X]

Australia’s selection of Nikhil Chaudhary for the T20I series against Bangladesh has brought to light a rare connection in cricket history. 

While Indian-born players have represented many nations, very few have earned the baggy green or Australian colours in international cricket. 

This small group highlights stories of migration, talent, and determination across generations. From the very first Test match in history to modern T20 leagues, these players have bridged two great cricketing nations. 

Chaudhary’s possible debut would end a 62-year wait since the last male India-born player represented Australia. Let’s take a look at all of them as Nikhil stands on the verge of creating history.

1. Bransby Cooper

Bransby Beauchamp Cooper holds the honour of being the first India-born cricketer to play international cricket for Australia. Born on March 15, 1844, in Dacca, which was then part of British India. 

His father was stationed in India, and young Bransby was sent to England for education at the prestigious Rugby School. There, he developed into a hard-hitting right-handed batter and played for the school team in 1860 and 1861.

After finishing school, Cooper played first-class cricket in England as an amateur for both Middlesex and Kent. In 1869, after the English season, he briefly visited the United States before settling permanently in Australia, specifically in Victoria. 

He quickly became a key player for Victoria in intercolonial matches against New South Wales, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order batters and occasional wicket-keeper.

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Cooper’s place in cricket history was sealed on March 15, 1877, his 33rd birthday, when he played in the very first official Test match, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, against England. 

Australia won that historic game by 45 runs, with Cooper scoring 15 in the first innings and 3 in the second. That single Test match was his entire international career, but it made him a pioneer. 

2. Rex Sellers

Rex Sellers became the second India-born male cricketer to represent Australia in Tests, nearly 90 years after Bransby Cooper. 

Born Reginald Hugh Durning Sellers on August 20, 1940, in Bulsar in Gujarat, British India, he moved to Australia with his family after Indian independence. 

He started playing young, joining his school’s under-13 team at just eight years old. He boarded at King’s College, captained the senior XI, and later joined Kensington Cricket Club. 

Sellers made his first-class debut at 19 for South Australia Colts in 1959, taking the wicket of Australian Test batter Ian Craig with his first big delivery.

His breakout came in the 1963–64 Sheffield Shield season. He took 48 wickets, helping South Australia win the title and earning national selection.

Sellers’ first-class career ended after the 1966–67 season. He later became a respected sports administrator and received the Order of Australia Medal for his contributions. 

Until Nikhil Chaudhary’s potential debut, Sellers remained the last India-born male to play for Australia in Tests, a gap of over six decades. 

3. Lisa Sthalekar

Lisa Sthalekar stands out as the most successful and decorated India-born cricketer to represent Australia. Born on August 13, 1979, in Pune, India, she was adopted at just three weeks old by Haren and Sue Sthalekar. 

After short periods in the United States and Kenya, the family settled in Cherrybrook, Sydney. Her father introduced her to cricket, and she practised extensively in their backyard, quickly developing into a talented all-rounder.

Sthalekar began her domestic career with the New South Wales Breakers in 1997 and became one of the most consistent performers in the Women’s National Cricket League. 

She made her ODI debut for Australia in June 2001 against England and her Test debut in February 2003, also against England. She rose to become the world’s number one all-rounder when official rankings began.

Her achievements are remarkable. She was the first woman to reach the double of 1,000 ODI runs and 100 ODI wickets. She occasionally captained Australia, including in three ODIs against New Zealand in 2006. 

Lisa Sthalekar played key roles in four World Cup-winning teams, the 2005 and 2013 ICC Women’s World Cups and the 2010 and 2012 Women’s T20 World Cups. She retired from international cricket right after Australia’s 2013 World Cup victory in India.

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