Peter Nevill proud of title despite ‘strange circumstances’

SYDNEY: The final round of matches for the Sheffield Shield was abandoned on Tuesday due to coronavirus pandemic, but few could argue that New South Wales were not deserving of the title even if it will always be linked to extraordinary circumstances.

As Kevin Roberts, the Cricket Australia chief executive, admitted six wins in nine matches and being more than 12 points clear made the decision somewhat easier to come to even if, unlike some first-class competitions around the world, the Sheffield Shield has a final to determine the winner.

“Obviously pretty strange circumstances but very proud of how the team played and the efforts of the whole squad,” captain Peter Nevill told ESPNcricinfo.

“The strength of our squad has been a real positive for us, guys who have been dominating grade cricket and 2nd XI cricket have been unable to get opportunities. We built an environment that’s enabled us to breed a bit of success and it’s very satisfying after falling short last year to win this year.”

New South Wales had all-but secured a home final before Christmas after winning five of their six matches ahead of the Big Bash break.

They were less consistent when the season resumed, losing to Victoria at the SCG and Tasmania in Hobart, but an impressive victory against South Australia rubber-stamped top spot and that win was one that stood out for Nevill.

The bowling attack for the match against Western Australia at the SCG in December featured Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood. Overall they got three appearances from Starc and Steven Smith, along with two from David Warner and Hazlewood, plus six from Nathan Lyon who was not needed for Australia’s limited-overs teams.

However, it was the performances of other names that highlighted New South Wales’ depth. Harry Conway took 25 wickets at 21.32 and Trent Copeland 25 wickets at 31.88. With the bat, Daniel Hughes was their leading run-scorer with 665 at 44.33, while Moises Henriques made 512 at 51.20 and Daniel Solway, who scored a hundred on his debut against South Australia, finished with 498 at 55.33.