Dion Nash announced his retirement from all cricket on 2 May 2002, ending a ten-year career with the New Zealand Cricket Team. In those years, the fiery all-rounder suffered far more than his fair share of major injuries. More than once, he found himself at the crossroads, having to ask himself whether he had the will-power needed to come back from the serious back injuries which might easily have ended his career. It is a tribute to Nash’s trademark ‘attitude’ that — time and again — he was able to make major comebacks few would have thought possible. Nonetheless, Nash lost half his career to injury and it is, in turn, a reflection of his all-round cricketing talent that he was able to achieve as much as he did in the games he was able to play.

At times during his career, Nash reached the very top echelons of New Zealand cricket, in terms of the cricket he played, the respect he commanded, and the games he helped his team to win. Above all, however, Dion Nash should be remembered for his relentless fighting spirit he displayed in every facet of his cricket, from his battles to overcome injuries, to the match-winning performances he was able to produce. That fire could not burn forever, but it was, in a way, a victory for Nash that his career came to an end not — as one might have expected — because he had finally suffered an injury from which he could not recover, but because he no longer possessed the motivation needed to do so. Nash had not let endless comebacks take control of his life; he chose when to give up the fight.

Statistics cannot tell the full story of a cricketing career which was severely inhibited by injury, yet sometimes nothing short of brilliant. This is an attempt to tell that story and an attempt, where possible, to let Dion Nash ‘speak for himself’ through the interviews he has given over the years. I am indebted, in this endeavour, to years’ worth of articles, match reports, broadcast media, and everyone who has helped me with information and other resources. I am also indebted to Dion Nash for the pleasure of watching his fascinating and inspirational career, to which I cannot hope to do justice.

Kit Morrell,
May 2002

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