Ashes year brings top Aussie first grade club cricketer Nick Ross to both the King’s School and Macclesfield Cricket Club.

Nick, 23, has played against Australia’s top international and state cricketers and had his best year for Melbourne’s Carlton Club last season, winning their batting award with 490 runs at an average of 35.

Following in some illustrious footsteps, Nick is combining playing as the Macclesfield CC professional this season while coaching cricket at all age levels for the King’s School.

Nick said: “There is a long tradition of Aussies playing cricket in Macclesfield. I am obviously looking for some new experiences both at King’s and at the club.

I have been a cricket coach in Melbourne for three years and working for King’s seemed a perfect opportunity to learn more and work with some new people, helping students develop their cricket.

Continuing to play cricket over the Australian winter is also a huge factor for me and hopefully, if all goes well, I can take some form back for the Melbourne summer.”

Nick has been playing for Carlton since he was 17 and has notched up 75 matches improving year on year and he comes to Macclesfield looking for a fresh challenge in different conditions.

Of his role in coaching King’s young cricketers, Nick said: “There isn’t a huge difference between the two styles on coaching. The one thing that stands out at King’s is how all the coaches try to instil a very positive attitude in the students. They want the kids to back themselves in all areas of their game and always trust in their ability, rather than being scared of playing a bad shot or dropping a catch. They just want all the students to have a crack which is excellent.”

King’s head of cricket Steve Moores said: “Nick is a cracking lad with a great attitude and a huge talent. He is going to be a big bonus both to King’s School and Macclesfield C.C., and hopefully will have to learn to live with the jibes when Australia crumble in the tests.”