Worcestershire sign Australia star for T20 Blast

The 30-year-old left-armer is joining up with the Pears for a second time after previously playing for them during the 2021 campaign.

Head coach Alan Richardson believes they are now getting a “more rounded and experienced” player with Dwarshuis having since made his international bow.

Richardson said: “Ben has been part of us before and we really enjoyed having him here. He was probably at the start of his journey then, when he was less experienced.

“It was such a learning experience for Ben at that time. I remember his first couple of games, he’d never played on wickets that were so slow and it was shorter boundaries than he was used to in the Big Bash.

“But, just watching him now and how he goes about things, we know we’ve got a really good character, one who knows what it is about to be part of the Worcestershire family.

“It just feels a nice time for him to come in. I think he has developed as a cricketer with that experience and has probably become a bit more of a rounded cricketer.”

Dwarshuis has played in four Big Bash finals with Sydney Sixers and also featured alongside Pears batter Adam Hose in last year’s Hundred tournament, when both played for the Northern Superchargers.

He is Worcestershire’s second overseas signing for the 2025 Blast, with New Zealand pace bowler Jacob Duffy available until the end of June.

“I think Ben’s only experience pre to coming to us first time was in the Big Bash in terms of T20 cricket whereas now he has had a few more opportunities around the world,” continued Richardson.

“He played in The Hundred last year and did quite well. Ben is someone who fits the skill sets we need, someone who can bowl at the top and bottom of the innings and someone who is improving with the bat and has become quite destructive with the bat as well.

“He showed that in a couple of games he played in The Hundred last year. He has been part of a successful side in the Big Bash and having that left arm angle is important.””

Dwarshuis said: “I really enjoyed my time at Worcestershire and we played some good cricket and came so close to making it through to the knockout stages before Josh Inglis scored a brilliant century against us for Leicestershire in the final game.

“It was my first taste of English conditions and the wickets are different to back home but I’ve got that experience under my belt now which can only be of benefit for the challenges ahead this summer.

“We’ve got a good squad and I played alongside Hosey in The Hundred and know what a dangerous player he is.

“There are still a few lads around from my first spell here, like Brett (D’Oliveira) and Jake (Libby), when everyone made me feel so welcome.

“Worcestershire have had some considerable success over the years in T20 cricket and hopefully I can play my part in making next summer one to remember."