Aussie cricketing icon Ian Healy has gone from behind the stumps to getting behind Wrexham.
He is the Aussie cricketing icon who was one of the finest wicketkeepers in the world.
But now Ian Healy has gone from behind the stumps to getting behind Wrexham.
And all because he has been bowled over by the story of the north Wales club given a worldwide profile by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Which is why the 61-year-old flew into the UK especially to catch a glimpse of Phil Parkinson's side in Championship action and soak in the atmosphere.
"We've been influenced by the documentary series over the years so my kids bought the idea for me to come over here for my 60th birthday last year, and now we're here," Healy said before Saturday's game with Sheffield Wednesday.
The Cae Ras may not be the Gabba, the MCG or any other of the grand cricket venues where Healy established himself as one of the game's best in a career of 119 test appearances in the Baggy Green between 1988 and 1999.
But, sat proudly in his Wrexham shirt alongside wife Helen in the ground's Wrexham Lager stand, Healy shared the excitement of many others who have made what is fast becoming a pilgrimage for a new wave of global fans of the team.
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As well as the Stateside popularity, the Welcome to Wrexham documentary audience has a huge following in Australia and was part of the reason Parkinson's side headed Down Under for their pre-season tour this summer.
And while you wonder what a great glovesman like Healy would have made of Wrexham letting a two-goal lead slip through their fingers in their 2-2 draw with Wednesday, it is clear the attraction stretches beyond the action with Healy admitting the story of the town and its people is what drew him in.
"I think it's a beautiful little illustration of what sport can create, the community spirit and esteem," said Healy, who added he was always a fan of football, not necessarily a follower.
"Just getting some self-esteem up and running over the last four years has been so positive to watch around the town.
"Everyone I would imagine is a little more confident what the word Wrexham means a little more nowadays."
Healy had met "big cricket fans" director Shaun Harvey and assistant manager Steve Parkin before the game.
And he is also already looking forward to his next trip, albeit after the small matter of a home Ashes for Australia this winter.
"Our batting can improve and you know, England's bowling is unknown so it's a really, really good Ashes series we're anticipating," he said.
"We're in Wales and Cardiff have given us a tough time before and we drew the test in Glamorgan when Monty Panesar batted forever so the stress isn't exempt even when I'm in Wales!"
Category: General Sports
