Notts hope for four-day success

By Robin Chipperfield
BBC Radio Nottingham

Members will hope for more success at Trent Bridge

After coming so close to winning their second County Championship title in four seasons, it is perhaps no surprise to hear Nottinghamshire's players talking optimistically about their chances in the forthcoming campaign.

Notts went into their final four-day match of the season against Hampshire last year as favourites to win the title.

But a first-innings batting collapse allowed Durham to sneak past them and collect their first ever Championship trophy.

"I think last year was a pretty good season for us," said captain Chris Read. "It was galling that we didn't come away with any silverware, but it makes you hungrier to go one better."

Notts also came close in the Pro40 League, with an extraordinary defeat to Sussex handing Chris Adams' men the title at Trent Bridge.

Despite the comparative success, there seems little doubt about what needs to be improved if the county are to take that extra step.

We can certainly improve our top order batting

Chris Read

"I expect the onus to be on my batters to perform better," said Notts' director of cricket Mick Newell.

"We've got a little squad of bowlers that I'm very happy with. If we can get more runs out of the top three, we will be a better side."

Read agrees: "We can certainly improve our top-order batting.

"We are looking for a consistent and reliable opening partnership and the lads are aware of that."

Batsman Matt Wood is set to miss the start of the season and fellow opener Will Jefferson is rated as doubtful.

The duo formed the opening partnership for much of the last campaign, with both hoping to do better in 2009.

But their injuries could allow the likes of Bilal Shafayat, Alex Hales or Mark Wagh to open the innings.

Voges will look to promote his international credentials this season

Notts have a strong looking middle-order, with Adam Voges, Samit Patel, Read, Ali Brown and Graeme Swann all likely to appear regularly.

Voges endured a frustrating four-day season for his adopted county, averaging almost 38, but his top-score was only 77.

And the Australian is keen to perform better this time around.

"Last year came down to just a few games, which if they'd gone our way we would have had some silverware," said Voges.

"I think we've added to the depth of the squad with Jason and Ali Brown coming in. That will strengthen us even more and hopefully get us across the line this year."

There will also be plenty of focus on the form of enigmatic all-rounder Samit Patel, who was left out of England's one-day squad in the West Indies due to concerns over his fitness.

Patel has been working hard on his fitness in pre-season as a result and is keen to figure for his country this summer.

"If I start well in four-day and one-day cricket, I could play [for England] in both forms of the game," said Patel.

I want to get Notts off to a good start this season

Stuart Broad

"My attitude has got to improve and it will. But cricket-wise, I can't wait to get started."

Notts' hopes of challenging for the title again may depend on how much they see of their England players, though there is undoubtedly plenty of cover at Trent Bridge.

But with Stuart Broad, Ryan Sidebottom, Samit Patel and Graeme Swann likely to miss much of the summer because of international commitments, responsibility is likely to fall on the county's experienced players.

The likes of Mark Ealham, Paul Franks, Andre Adams, Charlie Shreck and Darren Pattinson could all have key roles to play.

At least Notts know that they will have England star Broad available for their opening four-day fixture against Worcestershire.

He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I want to get Notts off to a good start this season, we've got a strong squad at Trent Bridge.

"There's a lot of confidence that we can get some silverware this year, having gone so close last year."

BBC Radio Nottingham will have half-hourly updates on Nottinghamshire's County Championship campaign this season, with commentary on Notts' Twenty20 matches.