Our long-serving Bears skipper, Nathan Collins, also known as ‘Captain Collo,’ has decided to step down from leading the Finnish Bears with immediate effect. Life commitments and the desire to usher in a new era for the team have influenced his decision.
Collo has led from the front since taking charge back in 2016. Over the better part of a decade, we have seen Finland rise from an unranked cricketing nation to reaching a mid-40s ICC ranking and building a reputation as a team known for its ability to punch well above its weight, shaking up and beating numerous teams ranked significantly higher. Collo embodied these characteristics and is often described by many as ‘Mr. Consistent’, or ‘gritty’. He led by example and allowed his on-field performances to set the benchmark for others to follow. Whether it be with bat in hand, playing a crucial innings at the top of the order setting the tone time and time again, or making game-changing plays fielding in the inner ring, most often at cover. Collo’s class has shone through with his glittering stats reflecting his execution at the top level.
Nathan Collins international T20 statistics from debut in 2016 till 2023
|
Matches |
34 |
|
Not Outs |
3 |
|
Runs |
983 |
|
High Score |
79 |
|
Average |
31.71 |
|
Strike Rate |
101.97 |
|
Fifties |
9 |
|
Boundaries |
80 (8) |
Nathan is looking forward to having a strong start to his FPL season to be in contention for selection in the up-coming Nordic and T20 ICC World Cup qualifying tournaments as a squad player and we wish him all the best.
Coach Matt Jenkinson wrote ” Nathan has now made the tough decision and has called an end to his reign as Captain of the Finland Men’s Team. On behalf of the players, management and supporters of Finnish cricket, I would like to thank Nathan for his support, development and the leadership he has shown in the Finland National Team over many successful years. He has been a well-respected captain from both his teammates and the opposition. He has been a critical cog in developing the respected brand of cricket the Bears play. The squad are now renowned as fiercely competitive on the field and a decent bunch of blokes off the field, where important developing nations cricket friendships are formed. Nathan is currently the leading run scorer for the Bears and we all hope he can continue to add to that tally this summer while supporting as a key experienced player”
Ex Vice Captain Van Padhaal expressed “From day one Skip (Collo) has led from the front with his performances, both with the bat, consistently scoring important and valuable team runs or doing something next level in the field to turn a game. Which has been magic to behold and his cricketing mind is off the top shelf. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks, much sense follows which leaves the needed mark upon our squad. Skip has been one of the cornerstones in helping build the Finnish Bears into a highly competitive unit that’s turned heads and taken some big names across Europe such as Denmark and Spain. Remember how limited our resources had been 8 years ago and what commitment has been given by the likes of Collo to get us this far, I can tell you it ain’t easy juggling life and the love of the great game! We are now leagues above where we started when Skip took over and he can hold his head up high and be extremely proud of all he has contributed and achieved as our Captain of the Finnish Bears. I personally say a huge thank you to Skip and I hope he will still be banging the runs for years to come for Finland. We salute you Skip”
On behalf of Cricket Finland, all the management team and squad members past and present, we give a massive shout out and thanks to Captain Collo for his long-standing leadership, a role he has filled with class and skill in abundance.
At the same time, the NT selection panel of Gerard Brady & Andrew Armitage with input from Troy Faithfull and Aravind Kumar Mohan, have concluded to promote Amjad Sher to the role of Finnish Bears team skipper with immediate effect. Amjad has our full support in the new role as skipper and we wish him well in the massive year ahead. Given the selection process we outlined to the squad earlier in 2024, Amjad will now take the 3rd spot on the selection panel, with immediate effect.
These are exciting times for Finnish cricket and we look forward to having the community’s support and backing to help the Finnish Bears reach new heights this up and coming season. We hope to represent our country and community to bring home many victories in the future.
Coach Matt Jenkinson wrote “We are pleased to announce that “The Wild Thing” Amjad Sher will replace Nathan Collins as the new captain of the T20 side after relishing in his role as T10 skipper. Sher has been a key player for many years, a senior leader of the bowling group and this appointment is a natural progression. Sher is another player who leads from the front and plays with immense passion. We are excited with his approach to the squad over the winter and we are looking forward to climbing the ICC T20 rankings this summer together”
Ex Vice Captain, Van Padhaal on Amjad Sher’s appointment “I 100% believe in Amjad Sher we have the right player and character to take the baton from Skip (Collo) and lead the next leg of this race. I’m beyond excited to see where the Finnish Bears can collectively reach together with our new look squad, with its depth, certain x-factors and approach with the new Captain leading the charge with fresh eyes. Amjad is a scholar of the game and is one of our finest players, respected across Europe and I believe he has the thinking and ability to galvanise the local CF talent pool to a new wave of approaching the ever changing T20/T10 landscape”
