Nic Maddinson Likely To Make Sheffield Shield Return For NSW Blues Against Tasmania Tigers
Feb 23, 2017 at 11:40 AM
Nic Maddinson has been named in the 12-member squad for New South Wales Blues for the Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania Tigers on Saturday in Wollongong.
Head coach Trent Johnston is hopeful Maddinson’s addition will strengthen New South Wales’ bench and will be a big boost for the entire squad.
“I spoke to Maddo [Maddinson] in the middle of last week before the Futures League game and he was in a good place,” Johnston was quoted as saying by AAP.
The left-handed batsman Maddinson will make his return to top-tier cricket after three weeks.
Earlier this month, Maddinson took indefinite break from cricket citing personal reasons.
“I’m happy that he’s back in the right frame of mind to be playing first-class cricket. He’s an outstanding talent and we’ve seen that time and time again.” Johnston added.
New South Wales-born Maddinson had an awful start to his Test career. In three Tests, he scored just 27 at an average of 6.75.
While averaging 36.50 in his first-class career, Maddinson failed to impressive Cricket Australia selectors with the bat during the first two Tests of the Commonwealth Bank Series against Pakistan.
Johnston also said the decision on Maddinson would be expected few hours before the match.
“(State talent manager) David Freedman said he’s been very good around the Futures League team and played well in both of his innings even though he got starts and didn’t go on with them,” Johnston remarked.
“(Maddinson) selection will depend on how we set the team up and whether we stick with six batters or go with the extra batter and go in a quick light,” Johnston concluded.
12-member squad of NSW Blues: Moises Henriques (Skipper), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Harry Conway, Nic Maddinson, Trent Copeland, Ed Cowan, Daniel Hughes, Peter Nevill, Kurtis Patterson, Wil Somerville and Nick Larkin.