Nicholson was originally unsure if he would play given Mt Clear has its Twenty20 Regional Big Bash final at the MCG on Tuesday, but Nicholson has made himself available for the remainder of the week following the T20 match.

Nicholson has been in fine form for the Mounties, averaging 47 runs with the bat as well as taking 16 wickets – making him a more than handy inclusion to the first XI.

The BCA will begin the week with what will likely be its toughest opponent – Geelong.

Geelong is usually one of the stronger regions, but the talk is this year’s team is one of the better ones it has put out in recent years.

Team Selector Stuart McGregor said he was looking forward to starting the week with a huge match.

He felt Geelong would be the BCA’s toughest test, but said the side would enter with confidence.

“Traditionally Geelong are strong – history says that,” McGregor said.

“We’ve matched up pretty well against the other teams.

“Geelong on the first day is a big game.

“I think it’ll be our toughest game for the week, but we’re really confident we’ll do really well.

“If you can have a win over Geelong it can set your week up.”

McGregor said the side possessed great variety and was pleased with the amount of top talent that had put their hand up to play.

“We’re still pretty confident we’re going to do pretty well. We feel we’ve got a good mix of blokes that will all contribute in their own way.

“We think we’ve got plenty up our sleeve.”