Nottinghamshire fast bowler Andy Carter remains on course to begin the new season in contention for a return to competitive action after being given the green light to resume light training.

Carter underwent surgery in August to place a screw in his spine after breaking down ahead of last season’s NatWest T20 Blast fixture against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

His most recent x-ray confirmed that the operation was successful with the screw perfectly placed to pave the way for him to begin bowling again in November.

“Everything is on track so far and the surgeon is pleased with how things are looking,” said Carter.

“I’ll be walking through my action at first and I want to be in a position to be bowling full-tilt and pain free at the start of the season. 

“I’ve been working hard in the gym but it’s important that I don’t get ahead of myself and continue to do the right things.”

With Will Gidman’s signature secured and plans in place to sign an overseas bowler, Carter expects Nottinghamshire’s bowling unit to be strengthened next season and knows that competition for places will be intense.

“We’ve got a relatively young group of bowlers who will continue to improve and adding Will Gidman and an overseas bowler to the squad will make us even stronger,” said Carter.

“I need to start the season knowing that I can bowl long spells and it goes without saying that I want to be involved as soon as possible.”