Australia include Archie Schiller for Boxing Day: The Australian cricket team has included a Co-Captain for the Boxing Day Test.
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The Australian cricket team have named seven-year old Archie Schiller in their squad for the third Test of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia. Having named him the Co-Captain for the upcoming match, Schiller was seen accompanying the Australian team during training and a media event.
In which was a call-up announced by Australia coach Justin Langer earlier this month, it was conducted for a foundation called ‘Make-A-Wish Australia’.
Schiller, a leg-spinner, is set to partner Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon after him being nominated for the leadership role. Having had several heart surgeries, there had come a time when Schiller was critically serious because of his condition.
“We were told that it could go either way. We’ve learned to take nothing for granted, and to cherish every day we have with him. Archie misses a lot of school which has a big impact on his friendships, because if you miss your turn at batting or being goal umpire (at football), there’s no second chances.
“The other day he came home and said ‘I couldn’t find my friends and didn’t have the energy to run after them, so I just sat and read a book’. To me that was heartbreaking, even though it was a really responsible, grown-up decision to make,” Archie’s mom Sarah was quoted as saying.
During the event, Archie got the opportunity to share the stage with Australia captain Tim Paine and India captain Virat Kohli. “Obviously Arch has been through a really tough period and his family,” Paine said.
“When his dad asked him what he wanted to do, he said ‘I want to captain Australia’. I think it’s been picked up along the way and we’re rapt to have someone like that around. He adds a bit of perspective I think.
“Sometimes we live a life, it’s very good, but you can be consumed in your own life at times, so to have someone like that around is actually really inspiring for our group. It’s great to have him around and we look forward to his debut on Boxing Day,” the Australian captain added.
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