NSW skipper Moises Henriques has defended Peter Nevill’s perceived lack of on-field chatter as the discarded gloveman continues his strong run of Sheffield Shield form for the Blues.
Nevill’s unbeaten 143 against Queensland at the weekend was his third Shield century in five matches since being axed from the Test team.
The 31-year-old has clocked up 487 runs at 97.40 after being replaced by Matthew Wade following Australia’s embarrassing defeat at the hands of South Africa in Hobart last year, when both his batting and banter came under fire.
Henriques said Nevill was lively between overs and always showed good body language when he kept.
“It’s not like he never says anything on the field, he still speaks a lot. It’s just not very audible,” Henriques told Sky Sports Radio.
“We still hear him as players and if he does say something to the opposition it actually carries a lot more weight because you know it means a lot more.
“There was a few moments yesterday (against Queensland) where he said a few choice words and it can get quite intimidating at times when you get Nevvie upset.”
Henriques admitted Nevill’s omission from Test duties had been a major boost to NSW’s Shield fortunes.
“He adds massive value to our team and our squad,” Henriques said.
“He probably wasn’t too happy with the (Test) selection.
“He’s one of my close mates. I always want to see him happy and see him playing for Australia.”
Henriques has also enjoyed a strong summer, with a career-best 265 against Queensland the high point of his Shield season where he has scored 558 runs at 69.75.
He played the final Test of Australia’s 3-0 series whitewash in Sri Lanka last year, his first call-up to five-day cricket since making his debut with three Tests in India in 2013.
qwetzen
Guest
What's the problem you and John have? The OP wrote; "...As usual it is the NSW media and Healy...". He's clearly saying that Healy *isn't* part of the "NSW media".
qwetzen
Guest
And when I become Beloved Leader I'm going to ruthlessly ban interviews with Coaches, Captains & players which involve any questions about one of their teams' players. It's a toss up what's the most boring and predictable interview in sport. This one, or the half-time sideline interview. "Yes Glamara, we didn't stick to our plans that half, and they're a good side, but if we execute our processes in the second half we should get up. Cheers mate.". This Henriques type is just a thinly disguised fluff piece by someone who's too lazy or too incompetent, or both, to write something original.
qwetzen
Guest
And btw, 3 of those bye were a stumping/run out chance against Burns early on in the 3rd innings. I tuned into the stream and the very first ball on was from Somerville, a stock offie that Burns decided to charge. He missed it ugly and it spun slightly to pass easily untouched over middle stump with Burns metres down the track. Strangely, I can't find any mention of this bad miss in today's media...
AdrianK
Guest
My wife is going to stop me watching cricket if she hears "Nice, Garry" one more time!
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Nevill is easily the best gloveman in the country. I have never had an issue with his on field leadership either, but it is often hard to tell on TV. If he can continue his good form with the bat, he should definitely find himself back in the national team.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Hartley's glove work and batting to rescue his team speaks for itself and loud enough for all to hear... except for our deaf selectors, that is. Mind you, Nevill looks watertight behind the stumps when compared to Wade. Just saying.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Agree with much of what you say. PS Renshaw/Rogers
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Nevill's keeping is markedly better than Wade's and how many runs has Wade scored in tests since his re-selection? 50 runs at 12.50 and he hasn't had Mitch Marsh weakening the top six ahead of him. For the record, Nevill's FC average is better than Wade's too. Wade has much to prove in India given that our last tour there resulted in his dropping for Haddin and we know how highly you regard Brad. FYI- Healy is and always was a Queenslander.
Rob
Guest
Thats Gold. It shows the little difference between the 2. If you want the best golveman behind the stumps you take Hartley which could be a key factor in India. Nevill has also respond to being dropped out of the Test team and is certainly showing his ability with the bat. I thought Nevill was a little hard done by being dropped. If Maxwell had played at 6 and Starc 8 it was a good mix around Nevill's occupation style of play, like Renshaw/Rodgers are with players like Warner and Smith. I think both at present deserve to be a miles head of Wade in the pecking order.
Mike Dugg
Guest
Hartley should be used in the test side for a couple of years like Chris Rogers was giving the young keepers a chance to mature and improve
qwetzen
Guest
Speaking of Nevill v Hartley... In the just completed draw at the SCG between NSW & Qld.... Peter 'The Best Gloveman in Australia' Nevill: Runs kept to= 557, byes conceded 17 Chris Hartley: 603/0
Rossy
Guest
2 best averages in the shield this year are Hartley and Nevill, both towards the top of the runscorers.
JohnB
Guest
And I thought Healy was backing Hartley?
Craig
Guest
Healy? He's a queenslander you muppet, and also probably our best keeper of the last 50 years! I think Healy's opinion is worth more than anyone! If Warnie can appoint spinners to our squads and teams (ie: beer and swepson), then let Healy appoint the keeper!
Horrie
Guest
It was not just that Nifty is quiet, his keeping and batting were sub standard. Wade is not a great gloveman but he is certainly leagues ahead of Haddin whose poor keeping directly contributed to Ashes' losses. As usual it is the NSW media and Healy - hardly a doyen - who spruik up the local.