Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about rakhis, sweets, and promises — for some families, it’s also about cricket bats, leather balls, and international glory. This year, as sisters tie rakhis and brothers vow to protect them, we’re celebrating sibling pairs who’ve taken their bond to the cricket field — representing their countries together, sometimes even making history.
Peter & Sarah McGlashan (New Zealand)
Sarah McGlashan was a rock in New Zealand’s middle order from 2002 to 2016, playing 134 ODIs, 76 T20Is, and 2 Tests, and scoring nearly 3,500 runs. Her brother Peter McGlashan had a shorter stint but still donned the Black Caps jersey in 4 ODIs and 11 T20Is.
Will & Annabel Sutherland (Australia)
Annabel Sutherland is one of Australia’s brightest all-rounders — the proud owner of a Test double century and a wicket-taker in all formats (13 Test wickets, 41 ODI wickets, 40 T20 wickets). She’s also a familiar face in the WPL, representing Gujarat Giants. Her brother Will Sutherland made his ODI debut last year, scoring 18 runs and taking 2 wickets in his short but promising international career.
Nathan & Lisa Astle (New Zealand)
Nathan Astle — a name etched in New Zealand’s cricketing history — scored over 10,000 international runs and still holds the record for the fastest Test double century. His sister Lisa Astle may have played just one ODI for the White Ferns, but that appearance made the Astle family a rare cricketing sibling story.
Harry & Alice Tector (Ireland)
Harry Tector is one of Ireland’s most consistent run-machines with 391 Test runs (7 matches), 1,992 ODI runs (54 matches), and 1,443 T20I runs (85 matches). His sister Alice Tector debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka and has already featured in five matches for Ireland.
Harry Tector is one of Ireland’s most consistent run-machines with 391 Test runs (7 matches), 1,992 ODI runs (54 matches), and 1,443 T20I runs (85 matches). His sister Alice Tector debuted in ODIs against Sri Lanka and has already featured in five matches for Ireland.
The Joyce Family (Ireland)
Why stop at one sibling pair when you can have four? The Joyce household is cricket royalty in Ireland. Ed Joyce played for both Ireland and England, Dom Joyce had 3 ODI caps for Ireland, and their sisters Isobel and Cecelia are legends in Irish women’s cricket.
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Isobel Joyce: 1 Test, 79 ODIs, 55 T20Is
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Cecelia Joyce: Over 100 international matches
This Raksha Bandhan, these brother-sister duos remind us that while rakhis symbolize protection, sometimes it’s about running between wickets together, celebrating milestones, and backing each other up — on and off the pitch.
