By his own admission, it has not been the fruitful Summer of run-scoring that he was wishing for, but Henry Nicholls says he is filled with “immense pride” for being given the opportunity to represent Worcestershire CCC.
After being announced as the club’s overseas signing for six Rothesay County Championship matches in April, the 33-year-old left-hander joined the Pears as they faced a stern test at the start of the English Summer.
With nearly 3,000 Test Match runs scored in 56 test-matches, the distinguished batter joined the club looking to bolster the batting ranks at a notoriously examining time of year, against some high-class Division One bowling units.
Although the Kiwi may not have made the impact he would have liked at the top of the order, he reflected on his time with great fondness after stepping off the field as a Worcestershire player for the last time following a hard-fought draw with Hampshire.
“I have absolutely loved playing county cricket over here. You know, certainly playing for Worcestershire has been an absolute honour, at a place where a lot of Kiwis have played before.
“Everyone the group has made me feel very welcome. It’s obviously been disappointing, personally I would love to have contributed a lot more and played a lot better, but unfortunately, those things happen in Cricket.
“The guys have a lot of Red Ball cricket still left in the season, and I think when they get back to that it’s an exciting challenge and opportunity for the guys to play for a lot, with a lot left in the season.”
Presented with the chance to join the club with the season already underway, Nicholls debuted for Worcestershire in their first Division One home match of the season against Durham in late April.
Starting with composure, he quickly acquainted himself with the Visit Worcestershire New Road faithful with scores of 42 and 25, in stern April conditions.
Although his batting qualities were unable to flourish in the manner he may have envisaged, there is no regret from the Kiwi about his spell in England, despite the obvious frustrations in the middle.
“I think that’s the nature of cricket, as a batter I’ve played all around the world where you have those stretches of good form and bad form, and unfortunately it’s been the latter over here.
“But you know, like I said, I’ve actually loved my time, the members have been great, it’s been a really enjoyable experience for me and my family as well.
“I’ll sure to be following the guys throughout the rest of the season and be very proud to have represented the club.”
Embraced by coaching staff and players alike at Stumps on Day four, Nicholls encapsulated the team ethos and spirit of a resilient and determined group of Worcestershire players.
In spite of his difficult run with the bat, he firmly cemented himself as one of the most hard-working and professional overseas players to have represented the club.
Before team bus departed the Utilita Bowl late on Wednesday evening, Nicholls hinted at what lies next, as he heads home with his family into the depths of Winter in New Zealand.
“So we’re flying home on Monday, and then just wait to hear it, the test stuff is two tests in Zimbabwe, which I’m hoping to be involved in.
“We’ll get home to the cold winter and have the ECB app fired up and be watching the guys from there.
“I guess it is just time to say thank you to everyone at the club for such a memorable time.”
