Nashing at bit to play for NZ
By Dylan Cleaver
From The Sunday News, November 16, 1997

Conference cricket gets underway today with the hope it will bridge the gap between test and first class cricket. DYLAN CLEAVER talks to Dion Nash who is hoping it will propel him back into the test team.

DION NASH'S cricket career swung full circle before most had gone 180 degrees.

Man of the hour after heroics at Lord's - becoming the first player to score a 50 and take 10 wickets in a test - Nash was 22, had a contract with Middlesex and was established in the New Zealand side.

Since then Nash has suffered numerous injuries - a back complaint the most career limiting - been embroiled in the South African drug smoking scandal and had his Middlesex contract terminated when he couldn't overcome injury.

Less than three years later Nash is preparing to lead the Northern conference side against the might of Bangladesh.

On the face of it Nash seems a strange choice of captain. He has no experience captaining at first class level and new ball bowlers rarely make for good captains.

However, Northern coach John Bracewell has no qualms about thrusting Nash into the role.

"With Robbie Hart going to Central it gave us the opportunity to look outside the square," Bracewell said.

"Nashy's had a tremendous amount of experience and has played at Middlesex where the Brearley's (Mike) and the Gatting's (Mike) have captained.

"He likes to dominate and he certainly likes to theorise. He's loving it."

For his part Nash is not the slightest bit surprised he has been looked on as leadership material.

"Not at all," he said. "Obviously I was very happy, but not too surprised."

Nash was at pains to point out he was not a novice when it came to inspiring great teams having captained the Dargaville High School 1st XI before he left for Auckland Grammar. He also skippered the Northland team.

Nash agrees with Bracewell's sentiments about his theorising: "I think about the game a fair bit," Nash said.

Nash transforms from laid back and good-humoured off the field to a fierce competitor on it. But don't expect any Grizz Wyllie-like speeches from Nash.

"I've never seen the fire and brimstone tactics work. I'll just look to lead by example and communicate. It's easy to get wrapped up in the job, but as captain you're only one cog that makes up the machine."

And it might surprise many - who believed the injuries and controversies had sucked the desire out of Nash - to learn how determined Nash is to force his way back into the test arena.

"It's the ultimate feeling to play for your country and perform well for your country and that hasn't changed at all," he said.

"But I'm not trying to run before I can walk."

If Nash reaches the dizzying heights of 1994 again, 1995 and 1996 will serve as poignant reminders not to take his fortune for granted.

"I know it's a cliche, but you don't realise what you've got until it's gone.

"I didn't realise how much I loved cricket and loved being part of a team until I was sitting at home.

"Let me tell you, the beach in summer isn't all it's cracked up to be."

Nash keeps track of New Zealand's results but admits it's hard not being there.

"I find it very hard watching the boys on TV," he said.

Still, Nash acknowledges he is some way off joining his jet-setting mates. He only bowled 15 overs in first class cricket last season, playing for Northern Districts as a batsman, and rates his pace about 75 percent of potential.

"I'm trying to get back to full fitness and I want to be bowling at full pace after Christmas. I've worked really hard on my batting though."

Nash's back problems stemmed from having a "mixed" bowling action which was identified on video by Dayle Hadlee at the academy. There are two types of bowlers; front on bowlers and side on bowlers. Nash had the problem of the top half of his action bowled in one fashion while he feet were placed for the other.

With this sorted out Nash hopes to not only prolong, but revitalise a career which promised so much.

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