Tim Ward having a ball at Shrewsbury

Ward, from Sydney, has quickly become a popular figure with his new team-mates and is enjoying his first taste of playing in England.

The 19-year-old, who plays first grade cricket back home for Parramatta in the New South Wales Premier League, was not required to bat last weekend as Shrewsbury reeled off a fifth Premier Division victory in a row, beating Kenilworth Wardens by nine wickets.

But the promising overseas ace has already hit three half-centuries for the club in the opening six weeks of the league season to underline his potential.

Ward stressed he’s been made to feel welcome by everyone at the club and that’s helped him make an instant impact on the field.

He said: “I decided in mid-February that I wanted to come to England and it was decided three weeks before I actually got on the plane to come here.

“I was a bit nervous about it all, coming over to a new country by myself, knowing no-one at all.

“I had just spoken to Ed Foster from the club on the phone once or twice, but I feel like I’ve settled in. All the boys have been great.

“It’s a lovely town. Everyone knows each other and I’m just really happy with the way it’s going.”

Shrewsbury’s fine form has made it easier for Ward, who bats at No 5, to find his feet.

The county towners sit three points clear at the top of the Premier Division table ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Ombersley.

“Losing the first game and then coming back and winning five in a row, I’m pretty happy about that,” he said. “We’ve got good momentum.

“If we play our best cricket, we can beat anyone.”

Shrewsbury also meet Fordhouses at London Road in a replayed ECB National Club T20 third-round tie tonight (6pm).