Christopher David Nash, born and raised in Cuckfield, England, has spent the majority of his professional cricket career playing for Sussex. With a career spanning over 15 years, Nash has established himself as one of the most reliable and dependable batsmen in the county circuit.
Nash’s journey in cricket began in 2002 when he made his debut for Sussex as a cover for the injured Mark Davies. However, it took him five years to break through into the first team. In 2009, he had a breakthrough season, surpassing 1,000 Championship runs and scoring four centuries along the way. He repeated this accomplishment the following year, contributing to Sussex’s promotion back to the top flight and earning a spot in the England Lions squad in 2011.
Known for his busy and combative style of batting, Nash may not have gained much attention on the national level, but he has consistently frustrated county attacks throughout his career. His dedication and reliability on the field earned him the vice captaincy of Sussex after a decade of playing first-class cricket. In recognition of his outstanding performances, he was named in the PCA Team of the Year in 2012 for his all-round excellence.
Nash’s contributions to Sussex extended beyond his batting. He developed into a useful offspin bowler, frequently picking up crucial wickets for his team. In Sussex’s Friends Life t20 campaign, his busily-made runs helped the team reach finals day. Nash continued to impress during the 2013 season, surpassing 1,000 first-class runs and helping Sussex secure a third-place finish by defeating Durham.
However, Nash’s career was not without setbacks. In 2014, he endured a burst appendix that was further complicated by a post-surgery gangrene infection, severely disrupting his season. Despite these challenges, he showed great resilience and made a remarkable comeback by scoring a big century against Notts at Trent Bridge. His performance showcased his restored form and determination.
In 2019, Nash made a career-altering decision and moved to Nottinghamshire. His move was not seen as a short-term flourish, as he expressed his desire to continue playing until the age of 40. It also provided him with the opportunity to reunite with Peter Moores, the Notts coach who had previously led Sussex during their period of unprecedented success.
At the time of his move, Nash had an impressive record, accumulating over 11,000 first-class runs at an average of 38.72. Additionally, he had achieved more than 6,000 runs in limited-overs formats. His move to Notts coincided with significant changes in the team, with key players retiring or leaving. However, Nash’s experience and skill were poised to make a valuable contribution to the team’s success.
Unfortunately, injuries and illnesses followed Nash to his new team. In 2018, he suffered a serious shoulder injury that significantly affected his season. Nonetheless, amidst the challenges, he registered his first century for Nottinghamshire, an achievement that provided solace in a difficult period.
Christopher David Nash’s career has showcased his determination, versatility, and reliability as a cricketer. With an impressive record and a resilient spirit, he continues to leave a lasting impact on the game.
