Maddinson named to make Shield return

Ex-Test batsman Nic Maddinson will make his return to top-flight cricket in familiar territory after being named in NSW’s Sheffield Shield squad to face Tasmania in Wollongong.

The Blues have named Maddinson, who grew up on NSW’s south coast, in a 12-man squad to play the Tigers at North Dalton Park on Saturday.

The left-hander, who lost his spot in Australia's Test side following the second Commonwealth Bank Test against Pakistan, played in NSW’s Futures League match against Western Australia at Lilac Hill this week after taking some time away from the game.

Maddinson hadn't played a domestic match since January's KFC Big Bash League final, when the Sydney Sixers went down to the Perth Scorchers at the WACA Ground. 

The 25-year-old returned to NSW training two weeks ago, after missing the first two Shield games following the BBL break.

Blues coach Trent Johnston said Maddinson was in a “good place” after his short lay-off.

“I spoke to ‘Maddo’ in the middle of last week before the Futures League game and he was in a good place,” said Johnston.

“I’m happy that he’s back in the right frame of mind to be playing first-class cricket. He’s an outstanding talent and we’ve seen that time and time again.

“(State talent manager) David Freedman said he’s been very good around the Futures League team and played well in both of his innings even though he got starts and didn’t go on with them.

“He’s come back into the Shield squad and from there it will depend on how we set the team up and whether we stick with six batters or go with the extra batter and go in a (fast-bowler) light.

“That’ll be a decision that the coaching staff and Moises (Henriques) will make on the morning of the game.”

Henriques will captain the side after playing in Australia’s three-match T20 International series defeat to Sri Lanka, while spinning allrounder Arjun Nair drops out of the squad.

Quick Single: Tigers twist as Paine handed Shield return

Also returning from Australia’s T20 side for this Shield match is Tim Paine, who has been recalled to Tasmania’s four-day side for the first time in almost a year. 

Paine played just four Shield matches last season and has been restricted to Futures League and club cricket this summer. 

Young batsman Ben McDermott and seamer Andrew Perrin has been included in the Tigers’ squad, while out-of-form duo Jake Doran and Jordan Silk have been dropped, along with leg-spinner Cameron Boyce.

NSW squad: Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Harry Conway, Trent Copeland, Ed Cowan, Daniel Hughes, Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Kurtis Patterson, Will Somerville.

Tasmania squad: George Bailey (c), Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Jake Hancock, Hamish Kingston, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Andrew Perrin, Sam Rainbird, Cameron Stevenson, Beau Webster.