Australian international pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis is returning to Worcestershire for the 2025 Vitality Blast and Head Coach Alan Richardson says they have signed “a more rounded and experienced cricketer” than the one who played for the Rapids during his first spell at the club.
Richardson confirmed that left-armer Dwarshuis is available for the entire T20 tournament, as was the case in 2021 when he finished as the Rapids second highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps.
He is the Rapid’s second overseas signing for the 2025 Blast, with New Zealand pace bowler Jacob Duffy available until the end of June.
Dwarshuis, who has appeared in four Big Bash League finals with Sydney Sixers, helped the Rapids challenge strongly for a spot in the knockout stages during his first spell before eventually finishing fifth in the North Group.
His best return for the Rapids was 4-31 against Yorkshire Vikings at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
Dwarshuis has appeared in three T20Is and also made his ODI debut for Australia in September against England at Trent Bridge when he dismissed Phil Salt and helped his side to a seven wicket win.
He played for Durham in the Blast last summer and also alongside Worcestershire batter Adam Hose for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
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.
“I think his 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.
“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 is relishing the chance of a second spell at Visit Worcestershire New Road.
He 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.”
