Surrey County Cricket Club’s overseas player, Matthew Nicholson ended his domestic season in Australia on top form in the Pura Cup final for New South Wales.

Although New South Wales lost out in the final to Tasmania, Nicholson put in a very strong performance with both bat and ball, to finish a long gruelling Australian season.

Nicholson ended his season with New South Wales in good form.
In a hard fought match, Tasmania went into their second innings with a 110-run lead having bowled New South Wales out for 230. Nicholson got his side off to a good start, using the new ball to good effect to take two early wickets before returning to take a third, leaving him match figures of five for 158 from 54 overs.

Although Nicholson bowled his side back into contention, Michael Di Venuto, Derbyshire’s overseas player, and the Tasmanian lower order, ground out a decent second innings score to give their side a colossal 570 run lead.

Unfortunately the New South Wales line-up, which boasts Phil Jaques, Simon Katich and former Surrey overseas, Dominic Thornely, could not string together lasting partnerships. Nicholson was the third top scorer with 28, as his side were bowled out for 149, losing by 421 runs.

Nevertheless, Surrey coaching staff and fans alike will eagerly await the arrival of Nicholson, who took 26 wickets in eight Pura Cup matches at an average of 29.31. However, due to the premature birth of his twins, his arrival will be delayed until the back end of April to the early part of May.

Surrey wish Matthew and his young family all the very best and look forward to seeing him playing in Surrey colours soon.

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