First-Class Debut for Sharad Patel

In Hobart today, NSWCUSA member Sharad Patel takes to the field for his first-class debut, officiating the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia.

In doing so, Patel becomes the 86th member of the Association to umpire at the first-class level.

The appointment comes in his first season as a member of Cricket Australia’s Supplementary Umpire Panel, which has seen him make domestic debuts in the One-Day Cup and Big Bash.

NSW State Umpiring Manager Darren Goodger said of the appointment, “He made his First Grade Men’s Premier Cricket debut in November 2017 at Howell Oval and immediately impressed observers with his composure and the quality of his decision making.

“This opportunity is one Sharad has worked for and deserves. He has been thorough and committed in his preparation and is looking forward to enjoying the experience and privilege of umpiring a first-class match for the first time, ready to give his best.

“In Sam Nogajski, he will be working with an outstanding, experienced and respected colleague. Their values are aligned”.

This summer has seen him in the middle for two Big Bash matches, one One-Day Cup match and a four-day Second XI fixture in Albury.

As of last weekend, he has now umpired 79 matches in NSW Premier Cricket First Grade, with three lower grade finals in recent seasons – in a total of 126 matches in all grades.

He has experience at WNCL, WBBL and Second XI level alongside attending four CA underage national championships – being appointed to the Final of the U19 Male Final in 2021-22.

Following Troy Penman’s first-class debut earlier in the month, 2022-23 becomes the first season since 1999-00 that two NSWCUSA members made first-class debuts in the same summer.

Patel’s on-field partner will be Tasmanian-based Sam Nogajski, with Match Referee David Johnston and local scorers Robert Godfrey and Graeme Hamley.

The match is scheduled to begin at 10.30am each day and will be broadcast on Kayo and cricket.com.au.

Photo: Sharad Patel and Paul Wilson take to the SCG during BBL|12 // Getty