TV cricket host battered by car thieves

After a brief struggle, Nicholas managed to break free and was found in Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, with blood pouring from his wounds by a police in a passing patrol car.

Ambulancemen dispensed first aid before Nicholas was taken to the Lister Hospital in Chelsea where doctors decided a plastic surgeon should attend to his wounds.

The attack left Nicholas with a gash over his left eye which required five stitches, while six more were inserted in an even more serious cut on the back of his head.

But thanks to the surgeon's skill and heavy make-up he was able to hide his injuries as he informed viewers that the first day's play in the Test between England and Pakistan had been abandoned due to rain.

'There was a lot of congealed blood on my face and in my hair when I woke up and it didn't look too good, but apart from a headache and a few bumps and bruises I felt surprisingly OK,' he said. 'The Channel 4 makeup girl got to work with her special brush. Now I know how women can look so good in the morning with a hangover.'

A close friend added that Nicholas was determined that the attack would not prevent him from appearing on TV.

'He was adamant he was not going to let these thugs stop him working,' he said. 'He is one of the most positive people in the world.

'His body is black and blue. And even though it may not be evident on the television, he has two very bad head wounds.

'The police were very good and said they knew who the gang members are. But they said it is just not worth people getting involved in this type of situation because of what can happen. They could have had knives or other weapons.'

Scotland Yard confirmed they had attended the incident but said no arrests had been made after Nicholas declined to 'substantiate the allegations of theft from the motor vehicle or the assault'.

It is understood Nicholas is concerned that had the matter been taken any further, his brother and his sister-in-law might have been subjected to further attacks.

The cricketer retired from the first class game in 1995. During his career he made 18,000 first-class runs and 37 centuries. He captained England's A team in 11 unofficial test matches.