....And a capable batsman

Carlisle-born Nixon began his first-class career with Leicestershire and spent 11 seasons at Grace Road before heading south.

He went on the England A tour to India and Bangladesh in 1995 when his teammates included Nick Knight, Michael Vaughan, Dominic Cork, Ian Salisbury, who will all be involved in action for the senior side this winter.

Nixon is an all-round sportsman and early influences contributed to his reputation as one of the most competitive players on the county circuit.

"I'm from a farming background and there was plenty of hard graft from a young age. I've loved my football, my rugby and my cricket and I was fortunate to meet good people early on in my career."

Nixon's opportunities in Pakistan and Sri Lanka are likely to be limited to warm-up games with Alec Stewart certain to play in all six Test, providing he remains fit.

"You never know - cricket's a funny old game. It's an absolute pleasure and honour to go on that tour in the first place.

"I'll just keep positiive and keep open-minded and ready to do my job when the time comes," he said.

"I sat down with Alan Mullally 11 years ago at Leicester and we talked about playing Test cricket together. Alan beat me to it but it was nice to have a 'caught Nixon bowled Mullally' at some stage."