England need Paul Nixon's fighting spirit

If anyone has come out of this World Cup well for England, it’s Paul Nixon. Pedalos and banter aside, the 36-year-old Cumbrian has brought a smile to the face of every member of the Barmy Army, and has epitomised the gritty spirit that is lacking in our international set-up – Panesar and Collingwood apart.

Don’t get me wrong, the highest level I reached was only minor county schoolboy, and I realise the pressures there are on today’s elite, but let’s face it, there’s about as much passion in our lads as a road kill hedgehog.

Steve Waugh, a good friend of Nixon’s, was noted as once saying that he was like an annoying mosquito – always buzzing in your ear from behind the stumps. Having played as a wicketkeeper, I can safely say that’s exactly what a player of that position should be doing, and Nico (to his mates) does that in bucket loads. Yeah, it’s a gentlemen’s sport, but let’s get real, we should be giving as good as we get – the Aussies and South Africans do. There’s nothing wrong with being a little outwardly passionate, boys.

In 2005 we put our boys up there with the best, and look where we are now. I know it’s a gruelling schedule, but that’s what they’re paid for - and quite handsomely too. Where’s the Flintoff fire? The awesome Anderson? The courageous Collingwood?

To be truly great, you need consistency, and consistency comes from being passionate about your chosen profession, and that can be whether you’re an artist, bin man or sportsman. Whether it was Nixon’s farm upbringing, family influence, or what, I don’t know, but, to me, he exudes this passion. And his team mates would do well to take note.

Sky’s Bob Willis hit the nail on the head recently, when he said that: “he [Nixon] may not be the best player in the world, but he plays with passion.” I agree with him wholeheartedly, although I’d give Nixon a bit more credit in terms of skill – although there are times when he could keep his wicket a little tidier, but then even Mark Boucher, one of the world’s best, can be open to mistakes.

A friend once told me that to achieve success it’s 50 per cent skill and 50 per cent perspiration. Nixon has more than proved himself and Leicestershire will certainly be glad to have him back in their ranks come the domestic cricket season. [Darren Crush]