NSW and Surrey cricketer, Matthew Nicholson announced his retirement from Australian first-class cricket last week after he played his last match for the Blues over the weekend against South Australia.

Nicholson has played in eight of NSW’s 10 Pura Cup matches but will most likely miss out on the final due to the availability of Australian quicks, Brett Lee and Nathan Bracken.

To date, Nicholson has played in 115 first-class matches, which includes 395 wickets at 29.17 and 2,805 runs at the useful average of 21.91.

Despite him pulling the curtain on an illustrious career in his home nation, Nicholson will come back to the Brit Oval this season, eager to improve on last season, where he spearheaded the Brown Caps’ attack, taking 44 wickets at 29.29.

Nicholson was signed last season as one of Surrey’s overseas players and was again called back into the mix this year as cover for the Club’s main overseas signing, Mohammad Asif. However, Surrey captain, Mark Butcher is more than happy with the move.

He said, “Matt fitted in extremely well last season and lead our attack in all forms of cricket. He is well liked by all of the guys and I have no doubt that he’ll play a key role for us again this year.”

33-year-old Nicholson is due to arrive at the Club in time for the first LV Championship match against Lancashire, which begins on 16 April.

Nicholson’s plans beyond this season are unclear but he indicated he’d like to stay involved in the game in some capacity, perhaps as a “fast bowling coach or mentor role.”

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