Ross Pawson - tough but fair
Northern District Cricket Club Sydney | April 08, 2023
Ross Pawson joined Northern District Cricket Club for the 2015/16 season and at the start of the 2022/23 season Ross has played 83 first grade games for Rangers and taken 125 wickets at an average 24.17.
In season 2022-23 Ross Rawson took the most number of wickets by any bowler in Premier Cricket across Australia. In 31 games he took 77 wickets at 15.78.
On the 27 January 2023 Ross Pawson made his BBL debut for the Sydney Thunder against the Brisbane Heat at the SCG.
Let's find out more about Ross Pawson
What year you were born?
1994
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Opening Bowler who tries to shape them a bit up front and run in hard all day. Specialist night watchman with the bat.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
Definitely winning the T20 Final on the SCG vs Mosman in 2016/17. I had to bowl the last over with Mosman requiring 15 runs to win and Johan Botha was on about 80 off 50 balls. He reverse lapped me over third man on the second last ball to leave them needing 4 off the last ball. I bowled a slot ball, he missed it and I’ve still got the broken bail as a souvenir.
At what age did you make your first grade debut?
22, a rough introduction, ND’s all out 131, Sydney Uni 0/132. A fond memory though, umpiring that day was Neil Smith, an umpire from my home town of Albury. Big Smiffy umpired me a lot in the Cricket Albury Wodonga Competition.
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
A lot of love currently goes to Pat Cummins but growing up I loved a bit of G.D McGrath!
Who is the best fastest bowler you’ve played against?
I faced a few seriously fast spells at night watchman from Greg West at Allan Border Oval last season. I wasn’t happy with skipper Ben Davis for getting out in the second last over of the day!
Editors note - On 30 November 2019 Northern District played Mosman at Allan Border in a 2 day game. Mosman were bowled out for 256 after 78.2 overs leaving Northern District with say 9 overs to bat. After losing Tom Felton for 15 and skipper Ben Davis for 24 Ross Pawson strode to the crease as night watchman.
Ross successfully navigated his way through to stumps and proceeded to score his maiden first grade century on day 2, 103 not out with 3 sixes and 13 fours. Ross and Will Buttleman put on a 216 run partnership as NDs finished the day 4 for 304 and defeat Mosman by 6 wickets.
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
I remember spending a good half an hour guessing my way through a spell from Usman Qadir on a dry wicket at Mark Taylor Oval, I honestly had zero idea.
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
A traumatic one. Playing cricket in Canberra for Ginninderra Cricket Club vs Queanbeyan and Jono Dean made 300 not out. It was traumatic because I dropped him at mid-off on the second ball of the day…..
Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?
Can’t really name anybody in particular but I’ve always got a soft spot for a quickie who runs in hard all day.
Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?
Playing Third Grade for ND’s and our Skipper Matt ‘Pidge’ Johnson was standing at second slip. I was working my way into my spell and after about my third ball the batter left it go through to the keeper who handed the ball off to the skipper. He then proceeded to say “No, stop the game, stop the f*****g game” he turns to Mansimar Singh at third slip and says (loud enough for me to hear) “Can you go and tell Pawso that he needs to bend his f*****g back!!!”
I got back to the top of my mark absolutely steaming and Mansi sheepishly walks up to me and says “Uhh Ross, Pidgey wanted me to tell you to bend your back a bit”I turned sharply to him and said “You tell Pidge to make sure he f*****g catches them.”
Safe to say the next few balls were taken fingers up by the keeper….
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
I’ve had many through my different stages. Early on in my Cricket Albury Wodonga days, Robbie Mackinlay was someone who helped me develop my game a lot. I always try to go for a hit with him and the mighty Lavington Panthers whenever I manage to get down to Albury.
More recently, it would have to be Ian Butler – I lived with him for the majority of my first few years in Sydney. A great cricket brain who’s helped me develop my fast bowling and a great sounding board for ideas.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
I guess for me it’s remembering how far and where I’ve come from.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?
Tiger Woods, Joe Rogan, Dwayne Johnson
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
I try and play golf, I’m not sure I’m at the skill level where it is ‘relaxing’ but I enjoy the fact that I’m somewhat of a beginner at it and I can get better.
What’s your occupation?
Senior Athletic Development Coach at St Augustine's College
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Tough, but fair”
Drink of choice?
Midilk (Midori and Milk)
Can we ask what would it mean to you to be selected to play for NSW?
Obviously playing for the love of the game and enjoyment of individual and team/club success is the main driver for many people BUT I don’t think there would be many blokes who put in the commitment and work it takes to play cricket at First Grade Cricket in Sydney who haven’t thought about the Baggy Blue at some point in their life.
