Luke Fletcher was rewarded for his persistence as he led the Nottinghamshire bowling attack with distinction on a first day of mixed fortunes at Yorkshire.

The Bulwell Bomber was one of the unsung heroes as the Green and Golds got off to a winning start in the Specsavers County Championship against Lancashire last weekend, frequently put the Red Rose batsmen under pressure, despite just one wicket.

His fortunes changed for the better at Emerald Headingley, securing figures of 4-47 as the hosts were bowled out for 256 before the hosts fought back to reduce Notts to 53-4 in reply.

“After my first spell I felt pretty good,” he said. “I felt in good rhythm and beat the bat, so it’s nice to get some reward eventually. I thought it was a good day’s cricket. It was good hard graft and once you’ve got through the new ball it’s a different game.”

Fletcher’s morning victim was former Nottinghamshire team-mate, Indian Test star Cheteshwar Pujara.

“It’s nice to get the overseas players,” he confirmed. “Pudji was obviously with us last year and we know how good a player he is, and it was important to get rid as soon as we could.”

Notts had picked up half of the Yorkshire wickets by lunch, yet couldn’t bowl them out until well after tea, as the tail wagged successfully.

“That’s difference between Division One and Division Two,” said Fletcher. “Most lads down the order know what’s happening. Here, Jack Brooks has a first class hundred and Coad and Shaw can both hold a bat. The days have gone of absolute rabbits down the bottom end.”

Fletcher confirmed he was ready to go in as nightwatchman again, as he did at Old Trafford.

He said: “I had the pads on six overs from the end, ready to go in but luckily for me and the team I wasn’t required.”

A difficult closing period saw Notts struggle late on, with Fletcher praising the quality of the bowling, yet emphasising that his side are very much still in the contest.

“There was some good new ball bowling,” he said. “Jack Brooks is a proven county cricketer.

“He’s been around a long time and knows these conditions really well, so he came out and bowled brilliantly.

“His spell was top drawer but tomorrow is another day and hopefully can rest up well and come back fighting in the morning.”

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Notts Outlaws begin their T20 Blast title defence at Trent Bridge on 4 July against Birmingham Bears. Tickets are £10 in advance – book now and save money…