Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
After 13 years, and 101 matches for the NSW Sheffield Shield team, former Australia Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill, has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
The 36-year-old, who made his Blues debut in 2009, leaves the enduring legacy of a significant role model, an astute leader, trusted teammate, mentor, and consummate professional.
Nevill, who represented Australia in 17 Tests and nine T20 internationals, hoped his career reflected a cricketer who gave his all.
“I’d say as someone who got the most out of the ingredients they had,” said Nevill, when asked how he’d like to be remembered.
“I’ve been fortunate to have played for as long as I have. It is hard to condense [my career] into something short and sweet.
“However, there’s the opportunities I’ve had; the experiences; the people I’ve met; being able to travel the world, the ups… and downs.
“Something that stands out is the very special people I’ve met, and there was no shortage of them at the Blues.”
Nevill, who left Melbourne in 2008 to play for Sydney club Eastern Suburbs, despite having no guarantee he’d receive a Blues contract, made his Shield debut for NSW against Victoria in February 2009.
He credited his early days in the Blues training squad for ensuring that he never once forgot that it was a privilege to wear the state’s Baggy Blue cap.
“What struck me is I was made to feel welcome by the group,” said Nevill, who announced his retirement at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“I was also impressed by how well the senior players communicated to the group what it means to play for NSW: the tradition, the history, and the pride people have in wearing the Baggy Blue.
“Hopefully, we’ve continued to pass that message down the line, and that the young players understand the gravity of what it means to be a Baggy Blue – representing yourself and those who’ve gone before you.”
Nevill said he was leaving NSW at a time when the state’s squad boasted an abundance of young talent capable of adding to the two Shield titles and as many One Day Cup crowns the state won during his career.
“What stands out is the talent,” he said. “’Talent’ can sometimes be a dirty word, but we now have an incredibly talented bunch of young players. It is now up to them to take the next step and to really understand their games and how they’re going to be successful.
“Thankfully, there’s a good group of senior players and coaches who will help them do that. Hopefully, they go on to dominate world cricket.”
Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon described Nevill as an outstanding ambassador for the sport; representing the finest qualities cricket, and those who play it, should aspire to.
“Peter has given outstanding service to Cricket NSW,” said Mr Germon.
“He has provided authentic, purpose centred leadership throughout his exceptional career. He has embodied, and exemplified, our values of humility and excellence.
“We are truly thankful to Peter for his major contribution to the legacy of success at CNSW and the significant role he has played in inspiring others to play and love cricket.”
While Nevill has retired from cricket he will continue in ‘some sort of off field role’ at Eastern Suburbs. He has almost completed his studies for a Masters that will allow him to forge a career in Financial Advice – a challenge he’s looking forward to.
Nevill offered praise to his wife Sam for her unwavering support during the triumphs – and occasional challenges – of his career, while he thanked his children Matilda, aged three, and one-year-old son Remy for helping him to realise it was easy to leave cricket ‘at the door’ when he returned home from training or playing.
His immediate plan post cricket is to spend the next few months rehabilitating the shoulder injury that frustrated his farewell season.
“I want to get it back to a level where I can carry my kids around in my right arm,” he said with a laugh. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with them.”
Career Snapshot
– Shield debut: NSW v Victoria in Melbourne, February 15-17, 2009
– Final match: NSW v Tasmania in Sydney, February 18-21, 2022
– One of only four men to play over 100 Sheffield Shield matches for NSW
– NSW’s most capped Shield captain
– Gloved a record 310 Shield catches
– Scored 5137 Sheffield Shield runs
– Hit a highest score of 235 not out
– Played 70 One Day Matches for NSW
– Scored 1156 One Day runs
– Completed 103 One Day dismissals
– Australia Test player #443
– Represented Australia in 17 Tests
– Played nine T20 Internationals
– Won two Sheffield Shield titles; two Marsh One Day Cup crowns; the 2012 BBL trophy (Sydney Sixers)
– Recipient of the 2014-15 Steve Waugh Medal
