Nottinghamshire posted 250-4 from 60 overs at the crease in the second day of their final pre-season fixture against Northamptonshire. In an afternoon interrupted by showers, the visitors posted XX from the final session.

Riki Wessels enjoyed a profitable stay at the crease, playing fluently to reach 78 before being caught off Maurice Chambers.

“As everyone will say, the most important thing when it comes to preseason is getting time out in the middle,” he said.

“It’s always a good little confidence builder to look up and see a decent sized number next to your name.

“Time in the middle is important, but more so is scoring runs when you’re out there.

Northants found progress difficult with the ball, meeting stubborn resistance in the form of Wessels and Steven Mullaney, who made 43 in a 131-run partnership for the first wicket. The innings mirrored that of the previous day, which also saw a century partnership before the first breakthrough.

“After watching them bat yesterday, it wasn’t as tough as we thought it would have been and they will have wanted to get more out of their overs with the ball,” said Wessels.

“Ultimately it’s about facing balls, leaving the ones to leave and putting yourself in the best possible position for the matches starting next week. 

With the LV= County Championship season starting next Sunday, this friendly served as Nottinghamshire’s penultimate practice and Wessels took encouragement from his good score against a side who will be looking to be competitive in Division One this summer.

“It’s always nice to score a few runs against players that have caused some damage in the past, and lay a few doubts in their minds,” he said.

“Whoever you play in pre-season, especially if they’re one of the teams you’ll face in the summer, is to get a little psychological edge over an opponent at the first possible chance.

“Next week’s match against Oxford MCCU will be different, it’s a recognised first class match and we’ll need to step up our efforts further.

“It’s the last bit of preparation before Lancashire arrive a week on Sunday so it’ll be nice to get the best out of three very important days next week.”