Rob Nicol is a paid up member of the cricket tragic’s club — no doubt about that.
The new Otago captain is also a deep thinker with a commanding vocabulary.
Who else uses the word avuncular in a sentence?
The 34-year-old had a lot of time to think — and read the thesaurus, obviously — when he was laid up with a Achilles injury earlier this year.
He spent most of the winter in bed or on the couch recovering. It was during that time the top-order batsman decided he wanted a change and contacted Otago coach Rob Walter about making the move from Auckland to Otago.
From the outside, it was a surprising move. The Volts finished last in all three formats and his young family — partner Rebecca Stevenson and the couple’s sons, Billy (6) and Nate (almost 2) — are settled in Auckland.
But Nicol wanted to be part of what he considers a progressive association and a team which has a reputation for having a strong culture.
"There was lots of toing and froing but in the end I just decided that this was something that I really wanted to do," Nicol said.
That said, it is a wrench every time he leaves home.
"It is a constant question I ask myself — why am I doing it?
"But I have a supportive partner in Beci and she is helping make it work."
The couple felt son Billy was settled at school and have ruled out a move to Dunedin as a family for the time being. But Nicol said the schools and property prices made it an attractive option and they might revisit the decision at some stage if the move works out well.
Nicol has an enormous respect for Otago coach Rob Walter and the feeling is mutual.
The experienced right-hander with the wispy moustache was one of the people Walter approached when he wanted an honest appraisal of the Otago Cricket Association shortly after he started in the role last year.
The pair spoke at length on the edge of the boundary at the University Oval during a match and the conversation helped strengthen their rapport.
The fact Otago finished last in all three formats was not much of a consideration for Nicol. He prefers to look at the bigger picture and believes the team is well-placed to deliver improved results this summer.
"When I was doing my due diligence I looked at how many games people had played and if you averaged it out every player was up in the 90s."
And that is when Nicol, who has scored more than 6000 runs in 121 first-class games, busted out that word — avuncular — to described the team’s nurturing tendencies towards less experienced players.
While the Volts’ batting line-up is loaded with experience, the seam attack is very raw.
Black Caps left-armer Neil Wagner is a notable exception but the likes of Matt Bacon, Michael Rae, Nathan Smith and Warren Barnes have precious little combined experience.
Bringing those players through is the key for Otago as it looks to break a Plunket Shield drought which stretches back to the 1987-88 season.
Nicol still has aspirations to play international cricket — he has played two tests, 22 ODIs and 21 twenty20s for his country — but his focus has shifted in recent years.
"It sounds corny but I really enjoy the team environment and I enjoyed helping other people do well. I am more interested in the learning environment and trying to help people like that."
Otago opens its four-day campaign against Canterbury in Christchurch next week and will probably go into the game as strong favourite.
The defending Plunket Shield champions have been rocked by a series of injuries while Otago has everybody fit and has named a formidable side. Otago recorded a comfortable six-wicket winin a warm-up game in Alexandra earlier this month.
Five to watch
Shawn Hicks (Otago)
Burly Otago all-rounder Shawn Hicks is hardly a household name but neither was Jimmy Neesham when he moved south from Auckland to Otago following a handful of matches for the Aces. Is Hicks the next Neesham? He will have to fight for a spot in the side first but it will be interesting to see his progress this season.
Jeet Raval (New Zealand)
Have the Black Caps finally found a test opener who will give the team the solid start it has been craving? The 29-year-old Aucklander has made a great beginning to his international career with five 50s in his first seven games. Raval certainly has the temperament and the first-class record to suggest he can make the spot his own.
Shai Hope (West Indies)
There is hope for the West Indies after all — Shai Hope.
The 23-year-old right-hander scored 147 and 118 not out to help the Windies topple England at Headingley in August. He showed some real grit in conditions which suited for England’s seamers.
Joe Root (England)
It is going to be fascinating to see two of the world’s best batsman — Joe Root and Kane Williamson — battle for the honours when the teams play two tests in March. Williamson has home advantage but Root is one class act. In seven tests this year he has scored 729 runs at an average of 60.75. Williamson has 468 runs at an average of 78.
Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan)
The right-arm pace bowler has played just five tests but has picked up 23 wickets at an average of 21.34. That represents an impressive start for the 27-year-old. And he took a wicket with his second ball in test cricket.
