11 April 2025
Our incredible Garden Maintenance Officer for our Home Care Western Downs region, Nick Budden, recently represented Australia in the Australian Cricket Deaf & Hard of Hearing T20 Tri-Series & 50-Over Series in India. This selection is a testament to Nick’s dedication, skill, and passion for cricket, as well as his commitment to both his professional and sporting pursuits.
Nick’s journey to the international stage is nothing short of inspiring. During the Tri-Series in India, Nick opened the batting in several thrilling matches, with his standout performance coming in a nail-biting victory over India. In that match, Nick scored 83 not out off 61 balls in a high-pressure situation, including a series of boundaries in the final over (20 from 5 balls) to seal the win for Australia, and saw Nick awarded with Player of the Match! Cricket Australia commended his innings, as it marked the first time in 20 years that the Australian Deaf and Hard of Hearing squad had beaten their Indian counterpart.
However, Nick’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Unfortunately, he was unlucky to sustain an injury in the first 50 over game, which saw him ruled out for the last two games. To say he was devastated would be an understatement, but Nick’s determination to push through adversity is part of what makes him a true champion.
Though the team faced tough competition, including a close loss in their final match, Nick’s contributions were consistently remarkable. In one of the One-Day matches, he top-scored for Australia with 28 off 39, despite facing challenging conditions. His resilience, both on the field and in representing his country, has earned him widespread praise and admiration.
Nick’s commitment to the sport is matched by his passion for cricket gear, even finding time to visit a local sports store during his travels. While in India, the team also took some time to enjoy the sights, including a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. One of the most memorable experiences was immersing themselves in Indian culture. For their closing night of the T20 Tri-Series, Nick and his teammates took part in a special tradition—having clothes made especially for the occasion, which brought them closer as a team and allowed them to experience the local culture in a unique and meaningful way.
We are incredibly proud of Nick’s accomplishments and look forward to supporting him as he continues to excel in both his career with us and his cricket endeavours.
