Old Students cricket prodigy Ashton Frost was recently named in a sweep of the state’s best emerging cricketers for the upcoming under-19 Male National Championships.
Frost, a technical batting all-rounder, is one of 14 picked for Victoria Country to take on the next batch of future Baggy Greens in Adelaide from December 11-19.
The 17-year-old was stoked to receive the call-up, affirming his hopes of squeezing every ounce of promise out of a career that is set to be long and prosperous.
After honing his skills throughout his junior years at Old Students, Frost departed Kialla Park Reserve two seasons ago to join Victorian Premier Cricket’s rank and file with Melbourne.
Frost’s breakout campaign began in 2023 and carried through into the new year, sporting an impressive season record of 580 runs at an average of 29 playing a variety of under-18, thirds and seconds Premier cricket.
With a high score of 103 and 10 wickets to boot, Frost spoke about last season’s performance as a launching pad that thrust his name under state selectors’ noses.
“I felt like I was starting to get things clicking and I’m definitely feeling really good at the moment as well,” he said.
“I think it’s just a big process of learning over and over and constantly being curious I guess.”
As for the looming national championships, Frost acknowledged the cut-throat nature of competition, but said he was going to “come into it with a free mind and take it as it comes”.
He’s greased to go, though.
The star Student was picked in Victoria Country’s emerging squad in July, training twice a week for the past three months at Junction Oval with trial games and match simulation filling the latter part of the block.
Frost is soaking up the knowledge served out by his coaches, former first-class cricketer Nick Speak and current Victorian-contracted bowler Xavier Crone, and he is refining the mental side of his game like no tomorrow.
“They’ve been really good, more so the tactical side has been really eye-opening for more,” he said.
“I’ve loved all of that; getting to learn different fields and how hard it is to play that next level.
“Just those non-skill based things have been really eye-opening for me just to see how much thought goes into the game and how good those two cricket brains are.”
Frost has had a the sole chance to bat for Melbourne’s second XI in the new season, making a dashing 30 off 29 balls.
If his trajectory continues, a first-grade debut can’t be far away.
However, Frost’s goal first and foremost is staying true to himself.
“I’ll just take it as it comes, but I’ll just keep being me and then see where that ends me up,” he said.
Lastly, the teen talent wished to thank those who’ve helped him along the way.
“I’m lucky enough to have Old Students let me train there once a week and once a week I go up and train with Melbourne and they’ve been huge for me as well,” he said.
“I’d also like to thank all of the people (who have helped me); Old Students have been awesome and my mentor Trent Suratman is very important to me and my mindset as well.
“My parents have been huge — I couldn’t do it without them getting me down to training and things like that.
“And then all my family, they’re very good for me, so I’m very thankful for all of them.”
