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{{short description|Australian cricketer (born 1983)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Ben Hilfenhaus
| image = Ben_Hilfenhaus_2009.jpg
| caption = Hilfenhaus in 2009
| country = Australia
| full_name = Benjamin William Hilfenhaus
| nickname = Hilfy, Gentle Ben
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|3|15|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Ulverstone, Tasmania]], Australia
| height = 186 cm<ref>{{cite web|title=Ben Hilfenhaus|url=http://www.cricket.com.au/teams/australia-men/the-squad/ben-hilfenhaus|work=cricket.com.au|publisher=[[Cricket Australia]]|access-date=15 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116145530/http://www.cricket.com.au/teams/australia-men/the-squad/ben-hilfenhaus|archive-date=16 January 2014}}</ref>
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right-arm [[Fast bowling|fast-medium]]
| role = [[Bowler (cricket)|Bowler]]
| international = true
| internationalspan = 2007–2012
| testdebutdate = 26 February
| testdebutyear = 2009
| testdebutagainst = South Africa
| testcap = 407
| lasttestdate = 14 December
| lasttestyear = 2012
| lasttestagainst = Sri Lanka
| odidebutdate = 14 January
| odidebutyear = 2007
| odidebutagainst = New Zealand
| odicap = 161
| lastodidate = 25 March
| lastodiyear = 2012
| lastodiagainst = West Indies
| odishirt = 20
| T20Idebutdate = 9 January
| T20Idebutyear = 2006
| T20Idebutagainst = South Africa
| T20Icap = 21
| lastT20Idate = 5 September
| lastT20Iyear = 2012
| lastT20Iagainst = Pakistan
| club1 = [[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmania]]
| year1 = {{nowrap|2005/06–2015/16}}
| club2 = [[Hobart Hurricanes]]
| year2 = 2011/12–2014/15
| club3 = [[Chennai Super Kings]]
| year3 = 2012–2014
| club4 = [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club|Nottinghamshire]]
| year4 = 2015
| club5 = [[Melbourne Stars]]
| year5 = 2015/16–2016/17
| club6 = [[Canterbury cricket team|Canterbury]]
| year6 = 2016/17
| club7 = [[St Kitts and Nevis Patriots]]
| year7 = 2017
| columns = 4
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1 = 27
| runs1 = 355
| bat avg1 = 13.65
| 100s/50s1 = 0/1
| top score1 = 56[[not out|*]]
| deliveries1 = 6,078
| wickets1 = 99
| bowl avg1 = 27.50
| fivefor1 = 2
| tenfor1 = 0
| best bowling1 = 5/75
| catches/stumpings1 = 7/0
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| matches2 = 25
| runs2 = 29
| bat avg2 = 9.66
| 100s/50s2 = 0/0
| top score2 = 16
| deliveries2 = 1,126
| wickets2 = 29
| bowl avg2 = 37.06
| fivefor2 = 1
| tenfor2 = 0
| best bowling2 = 5/33
| catches/stumpings2 = 10/–
| column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| matches3 = 104
| runs3 = 1,410
| bat avg3 = 12.93
| 100s/50s3 = 0/3
| top score3 = 56[[not out|*]]
| deliveries3 = 23,080
| wickets3 = 387
| bowl avg3 = 29.34
| fivefor3 = 13
| tenfor3 = 1
| best bowling3 = 7/58
| catches/stumpings3 = 30/–
| column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
| matches4 = 78
| runs4 = 119
| bat avg4 = 9.15
| 100s/50s4 = 0/0
| top score4 = 18[[not out|*]]
| deliveries4 = 4,169
| wickets4 = 89
| bowl avg4 = 35.95
| fivefor4 = 1
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling4 = 5/33
| catches/stumpings4 = 20/–
| medaltemplates = 
{{MedalCountry |{{AUS}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Champions Trophy]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2009 ICC Champions Trophy|2009 South Africa]]|}}
| date = 12 May
| year = 2019
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/5941.html ESPNcricinfo
}}
'''Benjamin William Hilfenhaus''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|ɪ|l|f|ən|h|aʊ|s}} (born 15 March 1983) is an Australian former professional [[cricket]]er who played for [[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmania]] in Australian domestic cricket and for the [[Australia national cricket team]]. He is right-arm fast-medium bowler known for his ability to swing the ball. Hilfenhaus plays club cricket for [[University of Tasmania Cricket Club|Tasmania University Cricket Club]]. He made his [[first-class cricket]] debut in the 2005/06 season and his haul of 39 wickets was a record for someone playing their first season for Tasmania. Before he was given a full-time contract for 2006/07, he worked as a [[bricklayer]] as well as playing cricket. He has best bowling figures of 7/58 in first-class cricket, achieved in his first season for Tasmania. During his time with Australia, Hilfenhaus won the [[2009 ICC Champions Trophy]].

In January 2007 Hilfenhaus made his [[One Day International]] (ODI) and [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) debuts for Australia. The following month he was named the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year. The 2006/07 season saw Hilfenhaus named Tasmania's Player of the Year as the club won the [[Pura Cup]] for the first time. Due to injury setbacks he had to wait until 2009 before making his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut.

In February 2016 Hilfenhaus announced his retirement from first-class cricket, due to ongoing injuries.<ref name="FC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/975875.html |title=Hilfenhaus retires from first-class cricket |access-date=24 February 2016|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>

==Career==

===Early career: 2002–2008===
{{Multiple image|direction=horizontal|align=left|image1=BEN HILFENHAUS (3071228809).jpg|image2=BEN HILFENHAUS (3072066658).jpg|width1=212|width2=222|footer=Ben Hilfenhaus training with Tasmania in 2008}}
The 19-year-old Hilfenhaus was one of 25 young players given scholarships to go to the [[Australian Cricket Academy|Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy]] in May 2002,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/131050.html|author=Australian Cricket Board |title=ACB and AIS announce 2003 Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy scholars |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 May 2003 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> and later that year he was given a rookie contract with [[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmania]] for the 2002/03 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/117653.html |title=Cascade Tasmanian Tigers 2002/2003 contracted players |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=6 June 2002 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> In 2003 Hilfenhaus was again included in the 25-man intake to the CB Cricket Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/131092.html |title=Four Tasmanians included in the 2003 Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy |author=Tasmanian Cricket Association |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 May 2003 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> It was not until 17 October 2005 that he made his senior debut aged 22, playing for Tasmania in the [[Pura Cup]], Australia's [[first-class cricket|first-class]] competition. The match ended in a draw and Hilfenhaus took a single wicket, that of [[Mitchell Johnson (cricketer)|Mitchell Johnson]] [[bowled]], while conceding 126 runs.<ref>{{cite web |url-access=subscription |url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/83/83863.html |title=f48846 Queensland v Tasmania: Pura Cup 2005/06 |work=CricketArchive |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> For the 2005/06 season Hilfenhaus still had a rookie contract and also worked as a bricklayer. That season he claimed 39 wickets in the Pura Cup at an [[bowling average|average]] of 30.82, breaking the record set by West Indian [[Michael Holding]] for most first-class wickets in their first season for Tasmania. Hilfenhaus was rewarded with a full contract with Tasmania for the first time and he was given a place in the [[Australia A cricket team|Australia "A"]] squad for the winter [[Top End cricket series in 2006|Top End series]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-03-05/hilfenhaus-on-fast-track-to-record/811506|title=Hilfenhaus on fast track to record|work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]]|date=5 March 2006|access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/249657.html |title=Hilfenhaus enjoys eventful ride |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=6 June 2006 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> He had previously represented Australia at under-19 level.

The 2006/07 was even more successful for Hilfenhaus who won the Ricky Ponting Medal, awarded to Tasmania's Player of the Year. In eleven Pura Cup matches he took 60 wickets, including seven wickets in the final to help his team win the cup for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/287965.html |title=Hilfenhaus takes Tasmania's top prize |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=31 March 2007 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> Hilfenhaus made his International début in a [[Twenty20]] international for [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] against [[England cricket team|England]] at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]] on 9 January 2007. He bowled four overs and took two wickets for 16 runs. This was followed up by selection in the one-day team for the [[One Day International]] on 14 January against [[New Zealand cricket team|New Zealand]] at [[Bellerive Oval]], his state team's home ground. He took his first ODI wicket ([[Brendon McCullum]]) in his second over. Hilfenhaus quickly became a local favourite, with the crowd cheering "Hilfy" whenever he was involved in play. In February, Hilfenhaus was named the Bradman Young Cricket of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/278957.html |title=Rogers named Australia's best state player |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=5 February 2007 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref>

[[Cricket Australia]] announced its 25 contracted players in May 2007 and Hilfenhaus was included in on the list for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/292941.html |title=Gillespie keeps his national contract |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=1 May 2007 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> He was included in Australia's squad for the [[2007 Twenty20 World Championship]], his first tour with the senior national side, as a replacement for [[Shaun Tait]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/307643.html |title=Hilfenhaus primed after Academy spell |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=21 August 2007 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> and in the One Day International tour of [[Indian cricket team|India]]. He also received a call up to the Test squad to take on [[Sri Lanka]] when South Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait was ruled out with injury.<ref>[http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/318190.html Hilfenhaus replaces injured Tait] ESPNcricinfo (2007). Retrieved 7 November 2007.</ref> However, he did not get to add to his international appearances on any of the above occasions.

Hilfenhaus was chosen in Australia's 15-man Test squad to tour the West Indies in [[Australian cricket team in the West Indies in 2008|May 2008]]. A stress fracture of the back prevented him from departing with the touring party and ruled him out of playing. Fellow fast bowler [[Doug Bollinger]] was selected in his place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wivaus/content/story/346364.html |title=Bollinger added for tour of West Indies |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=15 April 2008 |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref>

===Test debut and 2009 Ashes===
[[File:Ben Hilfenhaus.jpg|thumb|right|Hilfenhaus in 2009.]]
After losing the home Test series against South Africa in [[South African cricket team in Australia in 2008–09|December 2008]], Australia embarked on a tour of South Africa in [[Australian cricket team in South Africa in 2008–09|February 2009]] needing to avoid losing the series to retain the top spot in the ICC's Test rankings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavaus2009/content/story/391078.html |title=Australia arrive keen to remain No. 1 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=16 February 2009 |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavaus2009/content/story/392158.html |title=Australia opt for all-pace attack |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale | author-link = Brydon Coverdale|publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=25 February 2009 |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref> Hilfenhaus debuted in the first Test, one of three frontline fast bowlers alongside [[Mitchell Johnson (cricketer)|Mitchell Johnson]] and [[Peter Siddle]]. Between them they had experience of 22 Tests compared to the 144 South Africa's quicks had played in.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rsavaus2009/content/story/393145.html |title='We weren't precise enough with the ball' – Smith |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 March 2009 |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref> Australia won the series 2–1 and Hilfenhaus played in all three matches, taking 7 wickets while conceding 366 runs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=4296;type=series |title=Records / Australia in South Africa Test Series, 2008/09 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=South Africa v Australia at Cape Town, 3rd Test, Mar 19–22, 2009 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/350474.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref>

Hilfenhaus was given a chance in the 2009 Ashes after a solid performance in South Africa and an injury to [[Brett Lee]]. He grabbed his chance, swinging the new and old ball, along with bowling an accurate length. Though Australia lost the series 2–1, Hilfenhaus was the leading wicket-taker for either side with 22 dismissals from all five Tests at an average of 27.45.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=4249;type=series |title=Records / The Ashes, 2009 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>

In November 2009, the West Indies toured for [[West Indian cricket team in Australia in 2009–10|three Tests]]. His performance in the first Test, with match figures of 5/70, earned Hilfenhaus a Man-of-the-Match award as Australia won by an innings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvwi09/content/story/437118.html |title=Ben Hilfenhaus matures into all-terrain operator |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=28 November 2009 |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> Experiencing knee soreness after the match, Hilfenhaus was unable to play in the second Test despite hopes the injury was not serious.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ausvwi09/content/story/437450.html |title=Knee injury rules out Hilfenhaus |first=Alex |last=Brown |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=30 November 2009 |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> The injury, which turned out to be [[tendonitis]] in the knee and prevented him from playing a further part in the series, worsened when Hilfenhaus returned to playing in [[grade cricket]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/443166.html |title=Injured Hilfenhaus waits and waits |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=9 January 2010 |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref>

Hilfenhaus returned to the Test side when it travelled to England where they would face [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]] in [[Australian cricket team against Pakistan in England in 2010|two Tests in July]]. His knee was still painful, but Hilfenhaus played regardless.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/content/story/466898.html |title=Test trio show Tasmania's progress |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=11 July 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> The series was drawn 1–1 and Australia's fast bowlers were often inconsistent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/content/story/468730.html |title=Australia introspective after mixed tour |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale |date=24 July 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> Hilfenhaus was Australia's second highest wicket-taker in the series, with eight at an average of 23.75.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2010/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=5501;type=series |title=MCC Spirit of Cricket Test Series, 2010 / Records / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> In October Australia toured India for [[Australian cricket team in India in 2010–11#Test Series|two Tests]] and Hilfenhaus was included in the 15-man squad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2010/content/story/475536.html |title=Hughes and Hauritz back for India Tests |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=2 September 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> At this point, India were the number one ranked Test team in the world and Australia had dropped to fourth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2010/content/story/477803.html |title=A step towards reclaiming No. 1 rank – Ponting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=8 September 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> India won both Tests and Hilfenhaus' six wickets for 261 runs made him Australia's second highest wicket-taker in the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2010/content/story/481443.html |title=Dhoni praises bowlers for clean sweep |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |first=Sidharth |last=Monga |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=5935;type=series |title=Records / Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2010/11 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref>

===2011 Ashes onwards===
Australia lost the [[2010–11 Ashes series]] 3–1. Across the five Tests, Australia used four front-line fast bowlers: Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, and Hilfenhaus with support from all-rounder Shane Watson. Though he missed a match, Hilfenhaus bowled the most out of all Australia's bowlers in the series, sending down 947 deliveries. However, on average his seven wickets cost 59.28 runs each.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=5540;type=series |title=Records / The Ashes, 2010/11 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>

Though Hilfenhaus was bought by [[Chennai Super Kings]] for a price of $100,000,<ref name="ToI_09Jan2011_IPLAuction_Hilfenhaus_Rs460000">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.hotklix.com/link/Sports/Cricket/Ben-Hilfenhaus-IPL-2011-Auction-Ben-Hilfenhaus-Sold-to-Chennai-Super-Kings-for-Rs-46-Lakh-IPL|title=Ben Hilfenhaus IPL 2011 Auction : Ben Hilfenhaus Sold to Chennai Super Kings for Rs 46 Lakh|date=9 January 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=9 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712222502/http://timesofindia.hotklix.com/link/Sports/Cricket/Ben-Hilfenhaus-IPL-2011-Auction-Ben-Hilfenhaus-Sold-to-Chennai-Super-Kings-for-Rs-46-Lakh-IPL|archive-date=12 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> he did not play in the 2011 Indian Premier League (IPL) held in April due to injury.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/content/story/509795.html |title=Form watch – from the World Cup into the IPL |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |first=Nitin |last=Sundar |date=7 April 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref> He recovered in time to be included in the Australia A squad to tour Zimbabwe in June. The intention was to give him the opportunity to find some form before the full Australia team toured Sri Lanka and South Africa later that year. The squad also contained [[Mitchell Starc]], [[James Faulkner (cricketer)|James Faulkner]], and [[Trent Copeland]], and it was hoped that Hilfenhaus' experience would benefit the younger fast bowlers, particularly as Starc and Faulkner had the ability to swing the ball.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/516358.html |title=Hilfenhaus not done – Chappell |first=Daniel |last=Brettig |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref> When the squad to tour Sri Lanka was announced in July, Hilfenhaus was omitted, according to selector [[Greg Chappell]] this was because he was not fit enough.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/525441.html |title=Copeland, Lyon bring confidence, freshness – Chappell |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=31 July 2011 |access-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>

By the time New Zealand toured for two Tests [[New Zealand cricket team in Australia in 2011–12|in December]], Hilfenhaus was back in contention for a place in the national squad. However, the selectors opted to give younger, less experienced bowlers an opportunity. When India toured [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2011–12|later that month]] Hilfenhaus was included in the 13-man squad for the first Test. National selector John Inverarity explained that "I think [Hilfenhaus] had a few body concerns and his action deteriorated a little bit last year and he seems to have got it back and been playing in very good form. He is a strong, durable, experienced bowler."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2011/content/story/546342.html |title=Cowan, Marsh, Hilfenhaus named for Boxing Day |first=Daniel |last=Brettig |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=21 December 2011 |access-date=21 December 2011}}</ref> He was selected for the first Test—the [[Boxing Day Test]]—and took 5/75 in India's first innings, his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/ben-hilfenhaus-credits-a-tough-off-season-and-adjustments-to-his-action-for-first-five-wicket-haul/story-fn2mcu3x-1226232175457|title=Ben Hilfenhaus credits a tough off-season and adjustments to his action for first five-wicket haul|last=Lienert|first=Sam|date=28 December 2011|publisher=Fox Sports (Australia)|access-date=28 December 2011}}</ref> In the following match Hilfenhaus claimed a second five-wicket haul to help Australia take a 2–0 lead in the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2011/content/story/548231.html |title=Hilfenhaus takes five in Australia's innings win |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale|publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=6 January 2012 |access-date=6 January 2012}}</ref> Australia won the third Test by an innings to claim the [[Border–Gavaskar Trophy]]. Hilfenhaus took four wickets in each of India's innings and as a result broke into the top 10 of the ICC's ranking for Test bowlers for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=18645_1326688200 |title=Opportunity for England to win jackpot in series against Pakistan |publisher=ICC |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=17 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120012129/http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=18645_1326688200 |archive-date=20 January 2012}}</ref> He was the leading wicket-taker in the series, with 27 at an average of 17.22.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6636;type=series|title=Records / Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2011/12 / Most wickets|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=28 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211181252/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6636%3Btype%3Dseries|archive-date=11 February 2012}}</ref>

An injury to Brett Lee and Hilfenhaus' form in the Test series against India meant the latter was included in the ODI squad for a tri-nation tournament in February. At the time, Hilfenhaus had not played an ODI since 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/commonwealth-bank-series-2012/content/story/552282.html |title=Hilfenhaus replaces Lee in ODI squad |first=Daniel |last=Brettig |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=6 February 2012 |access-date=14 March 2012}}</ref> In his first match back in the side he took career best ODI figures of 5/33 against India. This effort won him the Man of the match award. Australia won the tournament and Hilfenhaus played in five of Australia's eleven matches, taking a further four wickets to finish with a series average of 23.22.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/commonwealth-bank-series-2012/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6632;type=tournament |title=Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011/12 / Records / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 March 2012}}</ref> In April 2012, Australia toured the West Indies. Hilfenhaus took ten wickets from three Test, and was Australia's second highest wicket-taker in the series behind off-spinner [[Nathan Lyon (cricketer)|Nathan Lyon]].<ref>{{citation |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=7009;type=series |title=Records / The Frank Worrell Trophy, 2011/12 / Most wickets |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501230428/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=7009%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=1 May 2012}}</ref> The [[2012 Indian Premier League]] was held in April and May. Having missed the previous year through injury, it was Hilfenhaus' first tournament for the Chennai Super Kings. He picked up 12 wickets at an average of 17.33 and was one of the team's main bowlers.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2012/content/story/566359.html |title=A bright first impression |first=Siddhartha |last=Talya |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=27 May 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012}}</ref>

==Bowling style==
{{Multiple image|direction=horizontal|align=right|image1=Ben Hilfenhaus bowling 2.jpg|image2=Ben Hilfenhaus bowling.jpg|image3=Ben Hilfenhaus bowling 4.jpg|width1=100|width2=127|width3=85|footer=Ben Hilfenhaus bowling in the nets in January 2009}}
Hilfenhaus is primarily a [[swing bowling|swing bowler]], relying on moving the ball away from right-handed batsmen. During an interview in 2010, he explained that he is able to bowl when conditions do not suit him: "When the ball's not swinging for me the role does change a little bit ... I see myself more as a dot bowler than a wicket-taker like Mitch [Johnson] when the ball stops swinging for me. I've just got to build pressure and do the team thing."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/488421.html |title=A swinger for all seasons |first=Peter |last=English |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=23 November 2010 |access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref>

The onset of tendonitis in Hilfenhaus' knee in late 2009 led to a change in his bowling action. As a result, he was bowling slower and the ball was swinging earlier, and therefore easier for batsmen to face. This predictability resulted in an expensive 2010 Ashes series for Hilfenhaus.<ref name=tricks>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2011/content/story/547210.html |title=Hilfenhaus learns some new tricks |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |first=Brydon |last=Coverdale |date=28 December 2011 |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> After being dropped from the Test side, Hilfenhaus was encouraged by his captain at Tasmania, [[George Bailey (cricketer, born 1982)|George Bailey]], to use more variation in angle and length.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-india-2011/content/story/546544.html |title=Hilfenhaus not so predictable this time |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |first=Daniel |last=Brettig |date=22 December 2011 |access-date=29 December 2011}}</ref> On his return to the national side in later 2011, his pace had increased to around {{convert|140|to|145|km/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=tricks/> There have been several comparisons made between Hilfenhaus and [[Glenn McGrath]] and McGrath himself described him as "very impressive".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1202638.cms |title=Hilfenhaus the next McGrath? |work=The Times of India|date=15 January 2007 |access-date=17 October 2007}}</ref>

==Personal==
Hilfenhaus, of German ancestry,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/test-cricketers-with-german-origins/|title=Test Cricketers with German Origins|website=footyalmanac.com.au}}</ref> is an avid golfer with an eight handicap<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/australia/8193991.stm|title=Australia's unassuming hero|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=12 August 2009|access-date=12 August 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090813101218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/australia/8193991.stm| archive-date= 13 August 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was Mr September in the [[McGrath Foundation]]'s 2009 Men of Cricket calendar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/392335.html|title=Heaven can wait|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=26 February 2009|access-date=12 August 2009}}</ref> Hilfenhaus has been nicknamed Gentle Ben by his Australian teammates in reference to his gentle personality and the [[Gentle Ben#Television|popular bear from the 1970s TV series]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/australia/8193991.stm | work=BBC News | title=Australia's unassuming hero | date=12 August 2009 | access-date=26 April 2010}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ben Hilfenhaus}}
* {{cricinfo|id=5941}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hilfenhaus, Ben}}
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Ben Hilfenhaus - Revision history

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