Born on April 17, 1992, Alexander Ian Ross is an Australian cricketer who has made a name for himself with his remarkable batting skills and innovative playing style. Hailing from Casey, Victoria, Ross has had a fascinating journey in the world of cricket.
Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
Alexander Ross’s early life was closely associated with cricket due to his father, Ashley Ross, who worked as a cricket coach, including a stint as the assistant coach of the New Zealand national cricket team in Christchurch, New Zealand. Despite the cricketing environment, young Ross initially found his passion in hockey rather than cricket.
In 2009, his family moved back to Australia when his father took up a coaching role in Adelaide, South Australia. Ross continued his education at St Peter’s College and began to focus on cricket. His cricketing journey started with Kensington Cricket Club, and he also spent time playing for the ACT Comets’ under-17s team in Canberra.
Rising Through the Ranks
Ross’s dedication and talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he made his List A debut for South Australia in the 2012–13 Ryobi One-Day Cup against Tasmania. His maiden half-century came during his fourth match, signaling his potential in limited-overs cricket.
It wasn’t until the 2014–15 season that Ross started playing other major formats of the game, including first-class cricket. His impressive performance in the 2014–15 Matador BBQs One-Day Cup caught the attention of the Big Bash League (BBL) team, the Adelaide Strikers, which marked a significant turning point in his career.
Following his stint in the BBL, Ross made his first-class debut for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia. His consistent improvement earned him a senior contract with South Australia.
Breakthrough Season
The 2015–16 season was a breakout period for Alexander Ross. He gained recognition as “the most improved player in Australia” by national selector Mark Waugh. Though he narrowly missed achieving his maiden domestic century on multiple occasions, he stood out with exceptional performances.
Ross’s remarkable batting skills were evident in the 2015–16 Matador BBQs One-Day Cup, where he played a match-winning innings of 88 not out against Queensland and an impressive 97 not out against Victoria in the elimination final. He finished the tournament with the highest batting average for South Australia and played a pivotal role in taking his team into the final.
In the Sheffield Shield season, Ross scored a total of 642 runs, ranking second only to captain Travis Head in South Australia’s batting lineup.
The “Sweepologist” of BBL
Alexander Ross gained notoriety during BBL|05 for his extraordinary performance in the Strikers’ first match of the season. In a man-of-the-match display against the Melbourne Stars, he scored 65 runs off 31 balls, showcasing his exceptional use of the sweep shot. His skillful execution of the sweep shot earned him the nickname “the sweepologist,” bestowed upon him by former Australian bowler Damien Fleming. Ross attributed his success with the sweep shot to his background in hockey.
After BBL|05, Ross switched to the Brisbane Heat and continued to make an impact in T20 cricket. His consistent performances in the BBL earned him the 2016 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year Award.
A Controversial Moment and Transitions
In a BBL match in January 2018, Ross was involved in a controversial moment when he became the first player in BBL history to be dismissed for obstruction. The incident sparked national debate, with his captain Brendon McCullum expressing his view that Ross should not have been given out.
Before BBL 09, Ross signed a contract to play for the Sydney Thunder. However, his form with the bat declined in the subsequent seasons, leading to criticism and questions about his performance.
Alexander Ian Ross’s cricketing journey has been characterized by exciting highs, innovative playing style, and a few challenges. Despite the ups and downs, he remains a player to watch for his remarkable skills and unique approach to the game.
