With Nathan Lyon’s brother as his coach, an uncle who played for NSW and a whirlwind start to his cricket career in England, Beau Moran’s ambitions of playing for Australia are not as lofty as they sound.
The Year 8 student from Davidson High School recently took up a short-term scholarship to play for Haileybury, about an hour north of London.
Encouraged by his father Sean, Principal at Roseville Public School, Beau embraced a unique opportunity to continue his schooling and play cricket internationally.
A prolific batsman who can also keep, Beau notched up scores of 50, 54 and 92 not out in his first three innings for Haileybury.
“It’s a lot colder in the field but overall, it’s been pretty similar apart from all the games being on grass wickets,” he said.
“Davidson High was great in allowing me to come and everyone at Haileybury have been awesome. They’ve really looked after me while I’ve been boarding and playing cricket.
“I’m definitely getting used to the full English breakfast every morning, but I’ve found the Latin and German a bit of a challenge.”
Formerly at Narrabeen Sports High, Beau developed a close working relationship with the school’s cricket coach Brendan Lyon, brother of Australia’s greatest offspinner, Nathan.
Ultimately the longer trek to the beachside suburb became a bit too arduous and Beau transferred to his local school, Davidson High, but continues to be mentored by Brendan.
“He just knows so much and has so much experience coaching.” Beau said.
“He was a brilliant coach at Narrabeen Sports as well. Not many schools are able to have the best batting coach in Australia.”
Dad Sean said Beau would pursue his cricket dream all the way to the top “if given half a sniff”.
The Morans do have some form in that regard.
Sean’s brother Ian played for NSW and Scotland and featured in the early editions of the Big Bash League (T20) for the Sydney Sixers and Thunder.
He also has the claim to fame of capturing star Australian batsman Travis Head as his last competition wicket.