India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) and his Australian counterpart Tim Paine are interviewed during a meet the fans event in Melbourne yesterday. Archie Schiller is also seen standing next to Kohli and Paine.
Melbourne: Seven-year-old Archie Schiller yesterday was announced as the ‘15th member of the Australian Test squad’ for the Boxing Day Test against India.
Archie’s inclusion is the result of a move made possible by the Make-A-Wish Australia Foundation, details showed yesterday.
When Archie’s father asked him once what he would like to do when he grows up, cricket-mad Archie said he wants to captain the Australia.
Recently the foundation learned Archie’s heart condition and worked back stage to get his wish fulfilled.
Australian skipper Tim Paine confirmed the news during the a meet-the-fans gathering attended by Australia and India players, a report in Times of India said.
The kid was informed about his inclusion news via a phone call from Australian coach Justin Langer.
Archie, 7, has spent much of his short life in hospital as he battles a life-threatening heart condition. At just three months old, he had his first open heart surgery - with 12 further surgeries since then.
Much of Archie’s day-to-day life consists of hospital stays and specialist visits, resulting in many missed days of school and playing with friends.
His wish journey is giving him something positive to focus on and build the emotional resilience he needs to continue fighting.
Langer was quoted in the report as saying: “He (Archie) has been through some times... we can help to put a smile on his face, it’s the very least we can do.”
Archie also trained with the Australian cricket team during a team training session in Adelaide.
The Boxing Day Test starts on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
