Peter Stephen Patrick Handscomb, commonly known as Peter Handscomb, is an Australian cricket player who has made a name for himself as a middle-order batsman with a unique technique. Born on April 26, 1991, in Box Hill, Victoria, Handscomb’s cricket journey has been defined by his ability to adapt to different conditions and perform under pressure.
Handscomb burst onto the international scene during the 2016-17 season, earning his maiden Test call-up after a remarkable run of form in domestic cricket. Following a career-best 215 in the Sheffield Shield, he caught the attention of selectors and was rewarded with a Test debut against South Africa in Adelaide. Handscomb showcased his comfort at the highest level by scoring a solid 54 in his first innings, including hitting the winning runs. His maiden Test century came soon after against Pakistan at the Gabba, solidifying his place in the team.
During his first home summer of Test cricket, Handscomb achieved a remarkable feat by not being dismissed below 50 in any of his first seven innings, becoming the first player in Test history to achieve such a record. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the ODI squad as well, where he displayed remarkable match-saving and match-winning abilities during tours of India and Bangladesh.
However, questions about his technique against fast bowling arose during the 2017-18 Ashes series, leading to his exclusion after just two Tests. Handscomb was later recalled during the controversial South Africa tour, following the ball-tampering scandal that resulted in the suspension of key players. A poor Australia A tour of India saw him miss out on selection for the UAE Test tour against Pakistan in October 2018.
The following year brought a mixture of recall, omission, and inconsistent performances for Handscomb in both Test and ODI cricket. While his place in the Test team became uncertain, he established himself as a versatile middle-order player in the ODI squad. Handscomb even made his T20I debut as a wicketkeeper during the limited-overs tour of India. He achieved a significant milestone during the same tour, scoring his maiden ODI century in Mohali, contributing to Australia’s record chase of 359.
However, despite his impressive performances, Handscomb was left out of the squad for the 2019 World Cup due to the return of Steve Smith. He was later included as an injury replacement for the semi-final against England but failed to make a significant impact as Australia suffered a heavy defeat.
Before making his mark on the international stage, Handscomb made notable contributions in domestic cricket. He captained Australia A and was part of Australia’s ODI squad in England in 2015. Handscomb also spent time in county cricket, playing for Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and Durham. In 2018-19, he led Victoria to an Australian one-day domestic title. Ahead of the 2020 season, he was appointed as the captain of Middlesex by coach Stuart Law.
With a British passport due to his English heritage, Handscomb had the option to pursue a career in tennis, where he was a talented junior player. However, his passion for cricket led him to choose the pitch over the court, ultimately becoming an influential figure in Australian cricket.
Peter Handscomb’s career has seen its ups and downs, but his unique technique, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a place amongst Australia’s finest cricketers. He continues to strive for success and contribute to his team’s victories, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
