As the spring dew begins to settle on Cricket Path, one familiar face returning to the nets carries a bit more of a tan than the rest. Josh Mckie-Thomson is back in Formby following a successful winter stint in Australia, where he traded the coastal Formby chill for the sunny shores of Melbourne, representing Bonbeach Cricket Club.
Josh took some time to catch up with us about his experiences Down Under and how he plans to translate his Southern Hemisphere form into a big season for the Cricket Path faithful.

For many cricketers, an overseas winter is a rite of passage, but for Josh, it was about more than just the cricket. "I’ve enjoyed my trip very much," Josh told us. "Playing for a club with such a fun culture and being looked after so well made a huge difference."
Between the high-quality living conditions and the consistent sunshine, Josh noted that having familiar faces around made the transition seamless. "It was loads of fun and great having the lads out there as well."

Settling into a new club can be daunting, but Josh found a second home at Bonbeach. He described the club as "full of great people" who were incredibly warm and welcoming from day one.
"They host good functions and are an all-round well-run cricket club," he noted. It wasn’t just the social side that impressed him, though; the professional structure of the club provided the perfect backdrop for him to sharpen his skills.

On the field, the stats speak for themselves with a best of an astonishing 5-7. Josh was a constant threat with the ball, picking up regular wickets throughout the campaign. While he admits things "slowed down a bit after Christmas," the overall takeaway is one of immense personal growth.
"I am happy with my performance," Josh said. "I feel as if my bowling has really come on, and I'm ready to tackle the UK season head-on."

With the local season fast approaching, Josh isn't resting on his laurels.

When asked if there was anything from the Australian setup he’d like to see implemented at Cricket Path, Josh pointed toward the social cohesion that defines Bonbeach’s success.
"Club meals once a week after training," he suggested. It’s a simple addition, but one that Josh believes helps foster the kind of "warm and welcoming" environment he thrived in while abroad.

Welcome back, Josh! We look forward to seeing those Melbourne wickets replicated at Formby this summer.