An aggressive right-arm fast bowler, young Nathan Buck debuted for Leicestershire in 2009. He represented England right from the U16 till the U19 level, and has also been part of the England A squad. Buck emerged as the U19 team's most successful pacer on its South Africa tour in 2009, with nine wickets at an average of 24.22.

The Leicester-born lad formed a unique new-ball partnership with Matthew Hoggard at his county and was quite successful in List A and T20 matches. His maiden Championship and List A wickets came in the form of Mark Ramprakash and VVS Laxman, which was proof enough of the tremendous potential he possessed. In early 2011, Buck was called up to the England Lions squad for the West Indies tour, and was later awarded his county cap on the second day of the 2011 season.