Nick Ross steers Carlton into yet another Premier Cricket grand final

Carlton captain-coach Evan Gulbis says Sunday’s match-defining knock from Nick Ross is the latest piece of evidence that he is among the best middle-order bats in Victoria.

Premier Cricket: Melbourne v Carlton, Albert Ground. Melbourne keeper Sam Harper, left and Carlton's Nick Ross bats. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Carlton captain-coach Evan Gulbis believes Sunday’s lion-hearted knock from Nick Ross is further proof he is among the best middle-order bats in Victoria.

Ross’ 122 not out – his 10th Premier Cricket century – was the linchpin of Carlton’s second consecutive grand final berth, holding off St Kilda to advance to the decider via a draw.

“He’s class,” Gulbis said.

“His skillset is so good, but it’s not his skillset for as to why he plays so well, he’s mentally as good as there is in the game.

“I advocate for him being one of the best middle-order players in the state, bar maybe your (Peter) Handscomb types, they all work through situations really well.

“He batted unbelievably well yesterday; I only spent a little bit of time with him out in the centre but I said to him ‘this is as close to first class cricket as we’ll get’

“Because that bowling attack had it moving both ways, bowling hard length consistently and kept rolling through their quicks.

“For him to do what he did… I think he showed his class.”

Nick Ross batting for Carlton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

After the Saints posted 8-313, the Blues were 1-5 and 2-47 before Ross began his 205-ball stay at the Princes Park crease.

He appeared to be chasing victory when he and Jai Lemire (52) were motoring, but then had to adjust back through the gears to hold on for a draw after losing a number of wickets in quick time.

Despite a little wobble – losing 3-8 – Gulbis had full faith in Ross to see the Blues over the line, as he has seen this type of performance from Ross before.

“He is just a calm person that knows what he’s trying to achieve,” he said.

“I have seen it multiple times, maybe that’s why I advocate for him so much.

“The good thing about Rossy is that he’s a really good partnership batter, he gives a lot to the guy at the other end.

“Getting me through to 30 balls, getting Jai (Lemire) through and then obviously batting with Lachie (McKenna) at the back end, I think he was crucial.

“A bit like Tom (Smyth) in the grand final last year helping the guy at the other end, I think Rossy did that really well yesterday.”

The Blues finished 7-289 at the close of play.

Carlton's Nick Ross cuts. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Elsewhere, Melbourne held off Ringwood quicks Matt Fotia and David Delany to book its place in the grand final.

The Rams set the Demons 204 and were in a competitive position when Fotia (4-86) and Delany (3-40) were claiming consistent wickets.

The Demons lost Will Pucovski (45) and Jack Harper (54) in successive overs to let the Rams in, before Jack Prestwidge guided his side home with a crucial 48 not out.

Prestwidge launched four sixes, including one to get the Demons within striking distance, seeing the Dees home in the 69th over, eight down.