Patterson takes the Shield reins for the Blues

Test player Kurtis Patterson is the new Full-Time NSW Blues Sheffield Shield captain after incumbent skipper Peter Nevill agreed to hand over the reins to offer to speed up the team’s sequential planning.

Patterson has served as captain of the Blues in the past, including at the end of last season when the Blues won the Marsh One-Day Cup and finished second in Shield under his leadership.

While ‘KP’ leads the Blue Red Ball teams, superstar fighter Pat Cummins remains the captain of the Blue White Ball team.

Patterson said he was lucky to take over such a strong team with a bunch of leaders.

“I will be appointed full-time captain of the Blues four-day team, which is a great honor and privilege for me when asked to do so,” Patterson said.

“I grew up as an idyllic NSW cricket and I strongly love NSW cricket and blues, so being appointed captain is something I don’t take lightly and I’m excited about.

“I want NSW cricket to be in a better place when the term is over, whenever possible, and I know I’m very lucky to have a captain with such a talented team.”

Patterson said the transition to a full-time gig was made even easier given Neville’s desire to see the team grow.

“I would find it unfortunate not to thank Nevi for the process and for handing over this role,” he said.

“The groundwork he and (Coach) Phil Jaques have done in three or four years has been great. We have had a huge turnaround in culture and a large number of people are involved.

“Nev was a great leader who has left us in good shape, and I look forward to getting him on the team if I have to call him.”

Nevill steered the blues to success for three years at the helm, winning the 2019/20 Shield title and helping the 2020/21 finisher before he lost the final to be with his wife due to the birth of another child.

The 17-test glove man remains in contract with NSW and supports Patterson in his new role while directing NSW’s growing striking ability, which includes Jason Sangha, Jack Edwards, Baxter Holt and Matt Gilkes. The latter have used NSW gloves in various forms of the game in recent years.

Nevill said he eagerly awaited Blues in every way possible as he headed toward the end of his stellar career.

“Since KP is the next longtime captain, now it’s natural for him to take charge,” Nevill said.

“I support him in every way he needs or wants, and I really look forward to being able to participate with our younger players and help them move on to the next step in a successful career.”

The Blues will start a couple of Marsh One-Day Cup games in Perth in mid-September before they begin their Marsh Sheffield Shield campaign against Victoria at CitiPower Center (Junction Oval) starting September 29th.