stage of the 2007 Cricket World Cup. Australia ran out winners by 7 wickets, with Nixon hitting 8. 50+ partnerships In his international career Nixon made four 50 partnerships, 30 January 2007 v. New Zealand, partnership of 76 off 9.2 overs, with Liam Plunkett (25*), contributing 42 16 March 2007 v. New Zealand, partnership of 71 off 11.4 overs, with Liam Plunkett (29*), contributing 40 4 April 2007 v. Sri Lanka, partnership of 87 off 15.2 overs, with Ravi Bopara (52), contributing 42 21 April 2007 v. West Indies, partnership of 80 off 10.3 overs, with Kevin Pietersen (100), contributing 18 Summer Series 2007 On 26 April 2007, Nixon was named as one of two wicket keepers (along with Matt Prior) in the 25-man performance squad for the summer series against the West Indies and India. Following his performances in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Nixon was rewarded with a place in the squad, ahead of the two keepers selected for the Ashes series: Geraint Jones and Chris Read. Chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said, "The wicket-keeping position remains a competitive area – Paul Nixon and Matt Prior have been included in the squad but will be aware that they face strong competition from keepers outside of the squad." Inclusion in the squad gave Nixon the chance to extend his England career. Ultimately, Matt Prior was selected as wicket-keeper for the First Test against the West Indies, despite Nixon contributing with the bat during the early stages of the season for Leicestershire. However, Nixon was selected as wicket-keeper for the England Lions team facing the West Indies before the tourists' one-day series against England. Nixon, along with a number of other players, saw the selection as an opportunity to push for a place in the senior squad. He said, "After the World Cup I thought I might not get another call-up to be honest, especially with the change of management, and Matt Prior has done so well since he came in." In the end though for Nixon, he was not named in the squad for the series against the West Indies, as Prior kept his position. World Cup 2007 Group stage In England's first 2007 Cricket World Cup match against New Zealand on 16 March 2007, he again shared an stand with Liam Plunkett – this time of 71 – to boost the total to 209. He ended the innings