It was back to Year 12 studies at Dubbo Senior College for Tim after what can only be described as a wonderful experience against international players from now one of the world’s top cricket nations.

With Tim’s father Glenn going along for the ride, the tour by the Blues saw matches for both boys and girls and while the girls dominated and won all their games, Tim’s boys struggled and won one from five.

During his junior cricket years Tim has had plenty of his plate as an all- rounder but at State level his coaches have seen more promise with the bat and only have used his bowling as a back-up when needed.

On the Indian tour he didn’t disappoint with the program of four 50x50 matches and a 20Twenty to add to the entertainment.

A tour highlight was undoubtedly the 166 when he opened the innings.

“It was just one of those days when everything fell into place,” Tim said.

“We were chasing 342 off 50 overs and I was given the chance to open. I faced only 129 balls, so that was something to enjoy.”

Such was the domination of Tim’s batting that when he was out for 166 the NSW total was 2-250 and the scorebook showed he hit 18 4s and six 6s. An added bonus for Tim was that his major contribution allowed NSW to reach the target of 343 to win with two balls to spare.

In the other games Tim made 65, 15 and 11 before belting 72 from 29 balls in the 20Twenty clash.

Again it was a power game from Tim with his first 50 coming in just 18 balls. But it was a lone hand with the Blues making 162 in pursuit of 282.

For Tim and his father it was the quality of the opposition players that really struck home.

“There were a good number of India Under-21 players in the teams we played and they can really bat,” Glenn Armstrong said.

“The wickets had a green top but they were very hard - but again very good for batting.

“The Indian boys are very close to international cricket representation and the way they batted I don’t doubt that will happen.”

Glenn was of the opinion that Tim can only go forward as a result of the experience gained on the tour.

“As I said earlier we were taken back by the quality of the cricket and I for one was very proud of the way Tim came through the tour,” Glenn Armstrong said.

“He was the leading run maker in both the New South Wales and Indian sides, and was presented with a nice trophy - so that will take pride of place at home.

“Young cricketers can only get better playing against better opposition and on different pitches in different conditions.

“Tim’s had a very good 12 months of cricket in all forms and with the under- 17s behind him now, he has his sights set on the under-19s.

“For that to happen he will have to go and play in Sydney next season and he can only continue to improve.”

Tim’s latest success comes on the back of being named the NSW Under-17s player of the year and helping RSL Colts win a Dubbo Whitney Cup first grade premiership.

And the final words on the cricket tour came from Glenn Armstrong: “I really enjoyed the cricket but the food was terrible and the curry very hot. Probably the only things cold were the beer and the showers.”