Pocket profile - Nathan Doyle - Sydney Cricket Club
Sydney Cricket Club | October 08, 2024
Nathan Doyle is the first-grade captain of Sydney Cricket Club
Not only is Nathan one of the top batters in the Premier cricket competition but his leadership skills are respected and admired by all.
Nathan is proudly sponsored by Ulysses Cricket.
Please enjoy his cricket journey.
What year were you born?
1999
Pepper Money are proud sponsors of Sydney Cricket Club
Tell us about your cricket journey.
I played my junior cricket on the Central Coast for Toukley. Started playing senior cricket on the Coast when I was 10. Like all country players, I needed to play in Sydney to keep improving and developing. Made the move when I was 15, playing Green Shield and grade for Mosman. Spent a couple of seasons at Gordon and now in my 4th season at Sydney.
If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?
Top order batter, part-time leggy and someone who takes a lot of pride in my fielding
What do you enjoy most about playing cricket?
I love being in the contest and being challenged. Any team and individual success are well earned and very satisfying.
What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?
It’d be a tie between skippering the 19s ACT/NSW Country team and winning the National carnival (I think we’re the only ACT|NSW Country team to achieve this) and hitting a NSW 2ndXI hundred
Nathan Doyle is proudly sponsored by Ulysses Cricket
Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?
Growing up it was Mike Hussey but now I would say nothing beats watching Viv Richards highlights
Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?
Pat Cummins or Doug Bollinger.
I played against Bollinger after he had bowled 50+ overs during the week in a Shield game. We were 4-220 chasing 270 (doing it quite easily) as we came off for tea. It wasn’t the best spread and it was made clear that Bollinger wasn’t impressed either. He came out fired up, took 5 wickets in half an hour to win the game. He was then completely calm and respectful after the match, especially to the volunteers that provided the tea. I’ve never underestimated the importance of a good afternoon tea since
Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?
Played against but didn’t get to face Monty Panesar. Best I’ve faced is Hamish McKenzie
Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?
Nick Larkin hit 246 against us in a day.
Who is the best wicket keeper you’ve had the good fortune to play with?
Hard to split Ash Doolan and Beau McClintock
Is there a young player in your club you’d like to nominate as a player to watch?
Charlie Howard
Who are the two players you’ve come to admire most in your club in terms of skills and competitive spirit?
The Mullen brothers. Both Tom and Dan are the elite clubmen. Can never do enough to help other players and are so passionate about the club and what we want to achieve.
Although a former teammate, Sam Sykes deserves a mention. Another great clubman had immense pride in everything he did and was the ultimate competitor on the field. A great example for me as a young player coming through.
What are the two attributes you like to see in a captain and leader?
Having belief in young players to give them the confidence and opportunities to perform. Setting the standards through actions not just through words.
Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?
Been lucky to see some of my favourites live (San Cisco and Spacey Jane) already. Queen in their prime would've been electric
San Cisco
Who’s considered the biggest pest at your club?
Dylan Powell
Favourite location, city or country as a holiday destination?
Porto
Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?
Rohan Hutchison by a mile. Been a coach and friend to me for over 10 years now. Wouldn’t be the cricketer or person I am today without his constant support.
Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?
Naturally the people around me offer support. I do find it very refreshing heading to the beach with my dog for a swim.
Who are the three people in the world you’d love to meet and talk to?
Muhammad Ali, Dan Carter and Richie Benaud
Dan Carter
What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?
Love going to the beach, spending time with pets and staying fit and active
If working, what do you do?
I’m a development officer for the AFL/Sydney Swans
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” - Muhammad Ali
What are your goals for the next season?
Personally, hit a few hundreds this season and get back into the frame for 2nd 11 again
As captain, to see our team/club continue to develop and crack into some finals cricket
Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play first class cricket?
It would be a great honour. Something I’ve worked towards and wanted for a long time now. More than anything I think it would be great recognition and reward for those around me that have made huge sacrifices to give me the opportunities I’ve had so far. In saying that, I’m no better or worse a person if it does happen.
