Oak Flats' Blake Nikitaras makes impressive Sheffield Shield debut for NSW Blues

The son of former NSW and Western Australian bowler Steve Nikitaras, Blake has long been on a trajectory to higher representative honours.

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The next step came last week when he turned out for the NSW Blues in their final Shield game of the season against South Australia.

The Oak Flats junior looked right at home throughout the four-day clash, scoring 44 in the first innings before notching a half-century in his second dig.

Just about the only things that went wrong for the 21-year-old were a run out in the second innings and the end result, South Australia breaking a two-year winless run to claim a five-wicket victory.

Despite his pedigree, Nikitaras concedes there have been times where he's doubted his ability. Having made his Sheffield Shield debut, and felt comfortable out in the middle, he's confident he belongs in the NSW side.

"I had my doubts, but I always had my mum and dad telling me I was good enough," Nikitaras said. "Now that I've done it, I believe it.

"The first couple of overs I was batting I was very nervous. Once I got one away, it felt like it was just another game and I was able to play my natural game.

"I'll take a lot of confidence out of that match going into next year. It will give me some motivation that I can try and keep doing better."

Nikitaras wasn't the only Oak Flats junior to take to Karen Rolton Oval for the clash, Nathan McAndrew lining up for South Australia.

The duo have known each other for more than a decade, McAndrew playing for the Rats alongside Steve Nikitaras.

Blake has also had the chance to share a field with the all-rounder, the pair lining up together for ACT/NSW Country in the Futures League over the past few years.

This time, however, they were rivals and Nikitaras concedes it was a strange feeling to see his close mate in a red cap rather than a blue one.

"That was pretty interesting but it kind of switched me on," he said. "I didn't want to get out to Macca, so it switched me on.

"It was good playing against him, he's been a great mentor to me. He's been brilliant telling me to back myself. He's another one who always said I was good enough."

McAndrew, himself, had a solid outing for the Redbacks, taking three wickets in the second innings and four for the match on a batting-friendly wicket.

While Nikitaras questioned his ability throughout his journey to the Sheffield Shield, McAndrew had no such doubts.

Having watched the batsman grow up and progress through the junior representative ranks, McAndrew was always confident the youngster would one day represent his state.

So he certainly wasn't surprised to see Nikitaras take to Shield cricket like a duck to water.

"It was such a special moment," McAndrew said. "I've known Blake for so many years, got to play with his dad at Oak Flats. I mucked around with him in the nets when he was eight.

"Blake was an incredibly special player from a young age, he's such a talented player. He has things to work on, as all young players do, but he has so much raw talent, we saw that on display out there.

"It was such a great audition for him, with a few batsmen out to get that opportunity. Scoring 44 and 56 was amazing. I was so proud of him, though I didn't want to see him score too many off my bowling, I was trying to get him out."

Now he's arrived on the Australian domestic cricket scene, Nikitaras is determined to solidify his place in the Blues XI and one day even push for a baggy green.

The youngster will remain in Australia throughout the winter and will likely complete a pre-season with the Blues as he chases a Cricket NSW contract for next summer.

Having had a taste of Sheffield Shield cricket last week, Nikitaras is desperate to return to the field as soon as possible.

"The goal is to play more games for NSW next summer," Nikitaras said. "That's what I'm going to try and achieve. More games and more runs would be ideal.

"My first goal is to play more games for NSW. I want to do as well as I can for the Blues, but the dream is one day to play for Australia."

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