Sunshine Coast Scorchers captain Nick Selman becomes highest ever run scorer

Sunshine Coast cricket talent Nick Selman has reflected on the standout moments and influential figures that have helped carve out his journey of becoming the Scorchers highest ever run scorer.

Sunshine Coast Scorchers talent Nick Selman. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Sunshine Coast cricket talent Nick Selman has added another milestone achievement to his decorated playing career, becoming the Scorchers highest ever run scorer.

The 29-year-old captain overtook the long-running record, held by Jeff Thomas, and hoped to continue his 4221 run tally.

The former Matthew Flinders Anglican College graduate, who first represented the Scorchers as a 15-year-old, will also make his 100th first grade appearance in round 10.

“Closing in on 100 games it probably shows how many weekends I’ve given up to play,” he said with a laugh.

“When I was younger and going to those Scorcher clinics I always wanted to play for the Scorchers so it’s quite weird in a way to look back on it all now.

A young Nick Selman at training in 2012. Picture: John McCutcheon.

“But with the games and the runs I honestly don’t think about that stuff too much, I just enjoy playing and representing the club with pride.

“I think it’s more about who you’ve played with and against, celebrating the highs and experiencing the lows and taking away any life lessons you can along the way.”

Selman, who works as the club groundsmen, also played professionally for Glamorgan in the Royal London Cup.

He played six seasons with Glamorgan between 2016 and 2021, hitting 2863 runs and seven centuries from 61 first-class appearances.

The powerful batsmen tasted sweet success and became part of history during the 2021 season when he helped the club claim its first 50 overs trophy after more than half a century.

Sunshine Coast's Nick Selman celebrates winning the Royal London Cup with Welsh club Glamorgan.

“That was obviously and still is such a special and proud moment of my career,” Selman said.

During his Scorchers career Selman has recorded 21 50s, 12 100s and a top score of 196.

“Scoring 196 was great but I more so remember hitting 178 and putting on a record partnership with Josh Matthews which was awesome,” he said.

“As a team, the year we made the semi-final in 2012-13 was such an awesome season on and off the field.

“We didn’t really know it at the time but everyone just clicked and naturally we performed well together so that’s a season that sticks out for me.”

Josh Matthews and Nick Selman pictured back in 2019.

Selman said he hoped to bring team success to the club.

“I definitely would like to achieve more as a team with a focus on silverware because that’s why you play cricket really,” he said.

“I think when you’re playing for the Scorchers you’re choosing to play for the club so for me to play for so long shows there’s been so many great people involved and they keep me coming back.

“Hopefully some finals success in premier grade isn’t too far around the corner either.”

Nick Selman celebrates a wicket. Picture: Warren Lynham Photography.

Selman thanked the efforts and support of his parents, past and current teammates and a number of influential coaches.

“My mum and dad are obviously the main people I owe a lot of thanks to but one other would be Brad Murphy because he has had a huge impact on my career and I definitely wouldn’t have played at a professional level without him,” Selman said.

“In terms of players guys like Jeff Thomas, Gerard Flegler, Nick Fitzpatrick, Peter Dean, James Henry and Ash Holznagel all come to mind because they were guys I looked up to and to be included in the same conversations as them is quite special.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Scorchers captain Nick Selman becomes highest ever run scorer