Steven Mullaney will captain a Nottinghamshire side that is expected to feature Jake Ball in the Specsavers County Championship against Durham at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

With Chris Read ruled out of the game with a hand injury, Newell had no hesitation in handing the reins to the popular all-rounder.

“Steven has become an established member of all three teams and is respected by the players,” said Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell.

“It’s an opportunity for him to show his leadership qualities and for us to develop another captain, another leader, within the squad.

“He did a good job down at Hampshire for the two days he was in charge, so it’s the most obvious step to carry on with him.

“It’s obviously not ideal when you’re taking over because of injury, but Steven's job is to lead the team into this game and I’m sure he’ll do a good job.

“It puts a little bit more emphasis on his performance and we’ll see his ideas on leading the side.

“Captaincy can make people better players. It’s certainly the hope that it’s going to help Steven kick on and lead by example as much as by tactical knowledge.”

With Ball having been selected for successive England squads, Newell is hoping Nottinghamshire can capitalise on a precious appearance for the in-form 25-year-old.

“He’s clearly been the standout bowler of the season so far, so it’s great news that he is available to us,” added Newell.

“We shall certainly make the most of his presence in the team. The return of a player that’s in the England squad will be a timely boost for the team.

“He did bowl 30 overs down at the Ageas Bowl, but his opportunities to play have become spasmodic recently because he missed the game against Warwickshire preparing for a Test Match.

“He’s got plenty of energy in his legs, he wants to keep himself bowling and his performance levels high because hopefully that Test opportunity is going to come soon.”

Greg Smith has returned to the 13-man squad in place of Read with Riki Wessels earning praise for his versatility having taken the gloves.

“It impacts greatly on the batting if you have to bring in a specialist keeper who isn’t a frontline batter,” said Newell.

“Riki’s going to have a heavy workload for the next three or four weeks, but he’s a fit lad who takes on any challenge that we throw at him, and I’m looking forward to seeing that.”

Nottinghamshire squad to face Durham (from): Steven Mullaney, Jake Ball, Jackson Bird, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Jake Libby, Michael Lumb, Samit Patel, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels, Luke Wood.

 

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