Crackpot No More

I had more than a few doubts when he was called up (I seem to recall - not for the first time - using the word 'crackpot' to describe the England selectors), but it's been apparent that Paul Nixon, with his energy, vocal volubility and good technique behind the stumps, as well as a few runs here and there, has contributed significantly to England's relative renaissance these past two weeks.

Of course, at 36, his tenure in the side cannot, indeed should not, be long, but it looks increasingly as though the Jones/Read era has ended.

Much will depend on how well he maintains his form during the World Cup (and how Davies fares in Bangladesh), but don't be surprised if, come mid-May, Nixon is lining up at Lord's for his Test debut.