Paul Nixon demands winner's mindset from players after Nottinghamshire collapse

Leicestershire, who remain winless in red-ball cricket in 2022, were beaten by 241 runs inside three days to leave their head coach to dish out home truths at the close

Paul Nixon questioned the mindset of his Leicestershire players after their capitulation against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Leicestershire, who remain winless in red-ball cricket in 2022, were beaten by 241 runs inside three days to leave their head coach to dish out home truths at the close.

Nixon criticised the batting of his middle order - the Foxes slipped from 81 for 1 to 174 for 9 in their second innings prior to a last-wicket stand worth 83 between trialist Mikey Finlan and Callum Parkinson, having been dismissed for 93 as a team in the first innings - and suggested that changes might be necessary for 2023.

"Again we were poor, losing wickets in clumps, which has been the story of our red-ball competition," he said.

"There were too many soft dismissals, too many people playing around the ball. You have to play straighter for longer in red ball cricket and wait for the bad balls, not go looking for them. Too many times we got ourselves out.

"It's tough when the odds are against you, but that's the mindset of a winner. You've got to believe that you're the man who is going to take responsibility for your team and if people haven't got that mindset, I don't want them playing for Leicestershire County Cricket Club."

^{Paul Nixon was unhappy with his players following Leicestershire's defeat at Trent Bridge [Getty Images]}

Leicestershire's lack of red-ball depth was evident throughout this match, particularly with the bat - where Ed Barnes, very much a bowling allrounder, was slated at No.7.

But Nixon evidently wanted to see more from his players.

"I know it might seem daunting when you’re faced with having to bat for two days to save a game, but it is about one ball at a time, you versus them and you have to get in the battle against your opponent," he said.

"You have to have desire, you have to have passion and the mindset that you’re going to be the one to get the team over the line. When we have that we'll be more successful."

Finan, who was dropped first ball, went on to make 58, and received praise from the head coach.

"Mikey Finan did very well. He's come out of club cricket straight into first-class cricket and though he struggled with his footing at times he bowled with pace and bowled some exciting balls. Then he showed a bit of defiance with the bat, but you shouldn’t be relying on the lower orders to get you runs," Nixon said.

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