Exchange Programme Gives Ben Trailor Insight into Indian Cricket
Through a two‑month exchange programme between Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Australian umpire Ben Trailor gained first‑hand exposure to the country's cricketing ecosystem. The program, which also sees Indian umpire Paras Joshi travel to Australia for Sheffield Shield and one‑day matches, placed Trailor in two Ranji Trophy games during October.
Trailor’s first match was the elite‑group clash at PALM Air Force ‘B’ Ground between Delhi and Gujarat. The second took place at Mumbai’s BKC Ground, featuring Maharashtra versus Haryana. Both fixtures offered a window into the competitive spirit and historic significance of India’s premier domestic tournament.
The umpire arrived in Delhi just before a 2 a.m. hotel check‑in, spending the next ten hours touring the capital with a driver and guide. He said the city’s historic landmarks, bustling markets and diverse food scene helped him acclimatise to the new environment. “Adapting to the climate, time zone and culture made me ready for the games,” he explained.
During the matches, Trailor witnessed several standout performances: Prayas Arya’s 199 runs, Delhi captain Ayush Badoni’s double century, and a trio of centuries from Mumbai’s Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Mushir Khan and Nishant Sindhu, plus Tanuj Kotian’s 81‑run knock that also yielded eight wickets. These moments underscored the high level of skill and passion that defines Indian domestic cricket.
He also highlighted the collaborative atmosphere among umpires. “The teamwork displayed by the officials was exceptional – we shared responsibilities and learned from each other,” Trailor said. This camaraderie, combined with the support from players who greeted him warmly and asked about his background, made Trailor feel like a genuine part of the cricketing community.
Technical challenges varied across venues. Delhi’s darker soil produced slower, lower‑bouncing deliveries, while Mumbai’s red‑clay pitch offered extra bounce but later broke down, causing the ball to behave unpredictably. Trailor prepared for these differences with pre‑match net sessions, a strategy he believes gave him a better chance of performing consistently.
Outside the boundary, the umpire was struck by Indian cuisine. From Delhi’s stuffed potatoes, bell peppers, rotis and dal to Mumbai’s lighter dishes, the flavors left a lasting impression. Back home, Trailor cooked butter chicken, saffron rice and roti for his family, eager to share the new palate he had discovered.
Looking ahead, Trailor will return to Sydney to umpire Premier Cricket games and a Sheffield Shield match. However, he confirmed that a future tour of India remains a priority, especially as the exchange programme continues to strengthen ties between the two cricket boards and provide valuable learning opportunities for officials worldwide.