Bengaluru, Sep 19 (PTI) — Aryan Sharma, John James, and Yash Deshmukh are chasing their dreams of making a mark in Australian cricket, but their ties to India, their homeland, remain strong.
The Australia Under-19 multi-format home series, starting Sunday in Brisbane against India’s U19 team, offers them a platform not only to test their skills against talented peers from the subcontinent but also to reflect on their families’ journeys from India to Australia—a journey that laid the foundation for their sporting ambitions Down Under.
John James, a bowling all-rounder whose parents Jomesh and Smitha moved from Wayanad, Kerala, to Australia seeking better career prospects, recalls the initial challenges of adjusting to Australian sports culture.
“The toughest part was relocating an hour away from Sydney to the Central Coast. Traveling to training and matches was difficult, but my parents made it possible by taking time off work to ensure I could play at the highest level,” James told PTI from Brisbane. “Initially, many teams were hesitant to sign me, but I am thankful to Asquith Cricket Club for bringing me on board midway through the season.”
One standout moment in James’ early career came when he worked as a water boy during the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia in Sydney earlier this year. The role gave him a chance to meet his cricketing heroes, including Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh.
“I was fortunate to be part of the Sydney Test as a water boy, where I met players I’ve admired on screen, including my favorite, Mitch Marsh. Seeing Josh Hazlewood in person at Cricket Central and having conversations with him was an unforgettable experience,” said James. He also expressed excitement about returning to Kerala during the off-season to reconnect with family and savor his grandmother’s pork curry.
For Aryan Sharma, a batting all-rounder from Chandigarh, adapting to life in Australia was similarly challenging for his family.
“My father, Raman Sharma, first visited Australia in 2000 for his brother’s wedding and then moved permanently in 2005. Adjusting to a new country was never easy, but support from relatives in Australia helped us settle,” Aryan shared. “The real challenge wasn’t mine—it was my family’s. They made countless sacrifices, like my dad taking me to training and matches while my siblings and mother missed out on his time. Their dedication is something I’ll always be grateful for.”