Archie warms up at Adelaide Oval
4 December 2018
Archie warms up at Adelaide Oval
In the lead up to Archie's wish, our new cricket star met the Australian Team for the first time - training together at Adelaide Oval. See what happened here.
Welcoming the new recruit
Arriving with his family for the First Test in Adelaide, Archie met Captain Tim Paine - who immediately shook Archie’s hand.
Other players flocked to Archie’s side, treating him like any other new recruit during a trip down to the change rooms, also known as the ‘inner sanctum of the baggy green’.
While Archie, his dad Damien, Captain Tim Paine and Coach Justin Langer talked strategy, Archie’s little brother grabbed a bat and ball – challenging anyone and everyone in sight to play with him.
It’s easy to see the passion for cricket runs deep in this family.
Video kindly provided courtesy of The Advertiser / Simon Cross
The inner sanctum
Forming a huddle with the team, Justin formally introduced the newest member to his squad.
Meanwhile, Archie’s favourite player Nathan Lyon presented him with his very own bespoke cricket whites.
Having recently lost two front teeth, Archie seemed hesitant to smile at first – but as Nathan led him back up to the field to start the training session, it was impossible to stop him grinning.
A cricket legend in the making
Over the next few hours, it was mesmerising to watch Archie as he kept up with his new teammates… stretching, bowling, batting and even running with sand bags.
Archie was truly impressive as he kept up with the team.
He even gave the players some helpful advice on how they might beat India, and lots of cheek:
‘I’ve seen better batters at the fish and chip shop!’
Archie, on the field, while training with the Australian Cricket Team
In the nets
As the #WishForce fed Archie biscuits through the nets, the level of care and comradery from everyone in attendance couldn’t have been more amazing.
Former cricketing greats bowled to little brother Harry, 3, on the sidelines - while Coach Justin Langer took the time to speak to Archie’s family, making sure they were included in everything that was going on.
What a boost for the entire family, after everything they've been through.
Final surprise
As the biscuits began to run low, the training session eventually came to a close.
As he prepared to leave, Nathan Lyon found Archie once more and insisted he come to a post-training debrief (mandatory for all squad members).
There, he surprised Archie once again - giving him a gift of his own personal set of cricket whites that the entire team signed.
Archie’s toothless smile could have been seen from the moon!
