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Rob Looking Forward To Following Kane

20 July 2012

Rob Nicol has arrived at Gloucestershire prior to making his debut in Sunday’s Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Middlesex at Cheltenham.

The New Zealand batsman was an interested spectator on the third day of the LV= County Championship match against Leicestershire at the College Ground.

And he can think of no better place to start his spell as overseas signing for the remainder of the season.

Rob told this website: “It’s a special venue with so much history attached to it. I guess that applies to England in general, but I’m told there is a picture of W.G.Grace here, which shows how far back the Festival goes.

“I flew into England yesterday lunchtime from the West Indies where I have been playing for New Zealand in the T20 and one-day fixtures.

“The weather over there was great. I hear it has not been all that flash here, but hopefully that is going to change.”

Rob is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Kane Williamson, who described his two seasons with Gloucestershire as a great learning experience.

“I have spoken a bit to Kane about the club, but not too much because he picked up the New Zealand captaincy in West Indies and I was aware of not bugging him too much at a busy time.

“I’m not burdening myself with expectations.  I have come to England with an open mind looking to play as well as possible for the team.

“If I can do as well as Kane then great. I love one-day cricket and T20 and I am hoping to learn more about four-day fixtures while I am over here.

“It’s the day-in, day-out life of a professional cricketer in England that I am most looking forward to and I will be looking to learn as much as possible.

“I’m not entirely sure how long I will be with Gloucestershire. The New Zealand Cricket Board will tell me that, but I would think it will cover the majority of games, both in the Championship and CB40.”

Rob says he has no particular preference about what position in the batting order he occupies.

“During my career I have opened the batting and gone in as low as six or seven so I’ll just do the job the team require of me,” he said.

“I do like trying to hit sixes, but most of the time I’m just happy to hit the ball!

Rob’s first experience of international cricket came in a T20 tournament in Florida in 2010, since when he has also appeared in one-day games for New Zealand as well as two Tests against South Africa last Spring.

“The powers that be in New Zealand have told me to improve my four-day cricket in England and my goal is to play more international cricket in all formats,” he said.

“The connection with Gloucestershire benefits all parties and I hope to do well for the club, as well as myself, in the weeks ahead.”

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