Nixon looking to build

You’re unlikely to meet a more optimistic character than Leicestershire CCC Head Coach Paul Nixon – but he is also being realistic ahead of the new campaign.

Nixon says he believes his squad is in “a better place” and feels that everyone will be on “a journey” as he puts the blocks in place for something long-lasting at the Fischer County Ground.

“Everybody's flying and I'm really happy with the way they've embraced the new regime,” said Nixon, who took over in the close season.

“We're addressing every area of the club, from the academy through to the brand of cricket we intend to play, and there's a real sense of moving in the right direction, but we definitely need a period of calm.

“Seeing their skill levels, and the way the players are applying themselves, I'm confident we can make progress, but it will be a journey and patience may be needed. We need to build something that has longevity here.”

The Foxes reached the quarter-finals of the T20 competition in 2017, losing to Glamorgan in Cardiff, and were close to qualifying for the Royal London One-Day Cup play-offs, but the club is seeking an improvement in red ball cricket.

Leicestershire CCC has signed Pakistan international seamer Muhammad Abbas to replace departed Australian Clint McKay as their overseas player. 

Abbas will play the first championship fixture, at home to Sussex starting on Friday, April 20, before being replaced by Varun Aaron for the six-week period during which Pakistan are touring Ireland and England. 

The 27-year-old Abbas, who has taken 23 wickets at an average of just 21 in five matches since breaking into his country's Test side, will then return to the Foxes' squad.

Both men have proven their ability to take wickets in batsman-friendly conditions, and Nixon believes they will be even more dangerous in English conditions.

“Not taking 20 wickets in a match last season is obviously something we're looking to address, and we're working hard to make our bowling attack more effective,” he said.

“In terms of our fast bowling, Zak Chappell (who has been in Barbados playing in the North v South series) has had an excellent winter, working with our new bowling coach Matt Mason with both the England performance group and here at Leicestershire, he could have a big season, and Dieter Klein has really kicked on.

“Ben Raine is fit and strong and raring to go, as are Richard Jones, Tom Taylor and Gavin Griffiths, so there will be real competition for places among the seamers.”

With young left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson among the success stories of last season, Nixon expects spin to play a big part in new skipper Michael Carberry's bowling options.

“We're looking to prepare good pitches, but perhaps just a touch drier than last season, so that hopefully there is turn as the game goes on,” said Nixon. “But the reality is we can't look too far ahead. We are looking to do the basics for longer periods of time.”

* Support Nico in his first year at the helm of Leicestershire CCC by becoming a Premium Member in 2018. For further details on the advantages of joining us, please follow the link HERE