Cricket: Tom Groth to lead NSW Country for first time at national championships

The veteran South Tamworth wicketkeeper-batsman has, for the first time, been named NSW Country captain, ahead of the national championships in Shepparton, Victoria, in January.

His selection – the 11th straight year he has made the side – would make him NSW Country’s most-capped player if he plays four matches in Shepparton.

Former Bush Blues captain Simon Moore holds the record, at 71 matches, with Groth currently on 68 matches.

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For the second straight year, he will be joined at the championships by his Souths teammate, fast bowler Tom O’Neill.

Groth will attempt to lead the Bush Blues to back-to-back titles, after the side’s win in Geraldton, Western Australia, in January. At that tournament, he made the team of the championship – the third time he had achieved the feat.

Groth – a three-time Australian Country representative and two-time NSW Country cricketer of the year – said that being named NSW Country captain was a “big responsibility”.

“It’s nice to be named captain, but obviously we’ve got to go down there and turn up and perform,” he said, adding that the Bush Blues would field a “new look” side “with quite a few debutants”.

Despite the personnel changes, he is confident the side will perform well.

“I think the quality’s there .. It doesn’t matter what side we pick – we’re always going to be competitive,” he said.

Bruce Whitehouse was appointed Cricket NSW’s country programs manager the year Groth debuted for the Bush Blues.

Still in the role, Whitehouse has seen the silky smooth gloveman become what he described as “an icon of country cricket”.

“He’s so passionate about the cap … He loves the baggy blue,” Whitehouse said. 

“He takes great pride in representing NSW Country and representing his zone and representing his community.

“He’s such a wholehearted player. Blokes like to play with him.”

Groth being named captain was a “great reward”, Whitehouse added.