XtraTime Web Desk: Christmas is just knocking the door but it has come two days early for seven-year-old Archie Schiller. Just ahead of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at MCG which is set to begin from December 26 the home side has taken Schiller in the squad as the 15th member for the third Test. It was possible for Make-A-Wish Australia Foundation.
At the age of three months Schiller was diagnosed with a faulty heart valves. Due to his health condition Archie can’t play regularly with his friends because he misses his school mostly. But he always try to play cricket whenever he gets a chance.
When Archie’s father asked him once what he would like to, the cricket-mad Archie had said he wants to captain the Australian cricket team. After knowing this the foundation organized this after talking with Cricket Australia.
Australian skipper Tim Paine confirmed the news during a Family Day event at Yarra Park. Schiller will also be a co-captain alongside Paine in the MCG Test.
Schiller’s inclusion in an extended Test squad was made public earlier this month. The kid was informed about his inclusion news via a phone call from Australian head coach Justin Langer.
Langer was quoted as saying, “He (Archie) has been through some tough times, spent a lot of time in a hospital bed.. So anyway that we can help to put a smile on his face, it’s the very least we can do for him.”
The little one also practiced with the Australian cricket team during their practice session at the Adelaide Oval as well.
The Test series is hanging on balance with 1-1 and two test matches are still to be played.