Premier Cricket 2018-19: Essendon batsman Aaron Ayre lauded as top prospect for Big Bash League clubs
Essendon skipper Clint McKay has lauded one of his teammates as “the best batsman outside the Big Bash” after he was one of the leading run scorers in the inaugural Vic Super Slam.
North West
Don't miss out on the headlines from North West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Essendon skipper Clint McKay has lauded teammate Aaron Ayre as “the best batsman outside the Big Bash” after he was one of the leading run scorers in the inaugural Vic Super Slam.
The former Victorian squad member has been in prolific form this summer, compiling 800 runs at 47.1 across the First XI and Twenty20 competitions.
BOWE’S TEMPERAMENT KEY TO BIG BASH LEAGUE SUCCESS
DONS DUO AYRE AND MCKAY TO SHARE CAPTAINCY UNDER END OF BBL
CLINT MCKAY DRIVEN TO END ESSENDON’S WAIT FOR SUCCESS
Ayre, who featured once for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League in 2016, has been one of the top Twenty20 batsmen in Premier Cricket in the past three summers with 448 runs.
“Aaron Ayre has been very unlucky,” McKay, a member of Melbourne Stars coaching panel, said.
“I think he’s definitely the best batsman outside the Big Bash at the moment.
“It’d be a great idea to pick him up because I’m sure he’d do a great job at the next level.”
The left-hander hammered 87 not out from 64 balls against Footscray in the group stage of the Vic Super Slam and made 53 in the Bombers’ semi-final loss to Carlton.
“Just with some of the shots he plays, he’s a 360 degree player,” McKay said.
“He’s very brave and he has got the skill set to back it up against any bowlers from around the country.
“It’d be great to see him get an opportunity and he showed his class all throughout. He made some very important runs for us.”
McKay, who played 115 Twenty20 matches during a decorated career, said several Essendon players deserved interest from BBL clubs for next summer.
He said Ayre, hard-hitting opener James Seymour, developing leg-spinner Liam Molloy and paceman Matt Doric should be on the radar of Twenty20 franchises.
The 35-year-old said the Super Slam had provided a perfect platform for unheralded players to press their claims for a BBL contract.
“I think it’s a great idea to continue to play your own players and really get them progressing through the grades,” McKay said.
“Hopefully you get some attention of some Big Bash clubs and really develop their career.”
The Bombers already have one player listed with a BBL club, left-arm spinner Liam Bowe (Melbourne Stars).
Essendon finished fourth in the Renegades conference of the Vic Super Slam, crashing out with a seven-wicket loss to Carlton.
MORE LOCAL SPORT NEWS
OFF-SEASON HQ: THE LATEST COACH, PLAYER NEWS FROM LOCAL FOOTY
Ultimate club-by-club NPL Victoria season preview
The NPL Victoria season is officially underway. Check out all the ins and outs and star players at every club. Plus, our premiership predictions for the NPL and VPL seasons.
EDFL club lands dominant local footy ruck
Pascoe Vale has capped an off-season of change securing the signature of one of local footy’s most prized ruckman. Go inside the changes at the Panthers.