Career
Ayling was a highly regarded all-rounder, a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium pace bowler. Ayling made his Hampshire one-day debut for the county against Somerset in 1987. That season he represented the county in two one-day matches.
Ayling made his first-class cricket debut in the 1988 county season against Oxford University taking a wicket with his first ball and his first eight scoring shots were boundaries.
lieutenant was Hampshire"s first Cup Final at Lords. During a pre season friendly in April 1989 against Sussex he was involved in a collision with batsman David Smith (Surrey, Worcestershire, Sussex and England) whilst fielding which resulted in Ayling requiring knee reconstructive surgery and missing over a season of cricket.
Ayling hit the winning runs in the last over bowled by Martin Bicknell. His final honour came in the 1992 Benson and Hedges Cup when Hampshire defeated Kent County Cricket Club by 41 runs, with Ayling taking one wicket and another economical spell in the Kent innings.
After seven seasons with the club Ayling decided to retire from Hampshire at the end of the 1993 County Championship following his serious knee injury that required numerous major operations.
Ayling represented Hampshire in 60 first-class matches scoring 2,082 runs at an average of 26.96. His first-class bowling figures were impressive with Ayling taking 134 wickets at an average of 25.41. Ayling also represented the club in 94 one-day matches, scoring 1,028 runs at an avaerge of 22.84.
His bowling in one-day matches yielded 93 wickets at an average of 35.91.
Ayling was appointed Cricket Professional at Winchester College for 5 years before returning to Hampshire as their Fast Bowling Coach/ Assistant Coach for a number of years. He decided to accept the role of Cricket Professional at Dauntsey"s School in Wiltshire in 2012.
Since his arrival he has led to team to back to back wins of the Peak Sport League (in 2012 and 2013) and an unbeaten tour of Antigua and Street Lucia in 2013.