Nottinghamshire batsman Mark Wagh expects to begin the new season with a clean bill of health after reporting for pre-season nets pain-free following winter surgery to correct a knee problem.

Wagh scored 813 runs in the LV= County Championship last season and is looking forward to a pain-free return to action after being blighted by knee and shoulder pain in recent seasons.

“There is always an element of risk with a surgical procedure but my recovery has been pretty straightforward and I haven’t had any major setbacks in my rehabilitation,” said Wagh, who is contracted to Nottinghamshire until the end of the 2012 season.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym building muscle and improving my aerobic fitness but the acid test came with the net sessions and I’ve been finding the middle of the bat and striking the ball nicely.”

The departure of Will Jefferson and subsequent arrival of Neil Edwards will give a new look to Nottinghamshire’s top order in 2010 and Wagh is confident that the club can mount a credible challenge for honours in all competitions.

“We’ve made more personnel changes than most this winter but all of the signings were made with a clear strategy in mind and should improve all areas of the team,” he said.

“A lot of runs came from the middle order last season and if that can be maintained with improvements elsewhere then our chances of success will improve.

“We’ve seen the sort of impact that David Hussey’s presence can make and I’m genuinely excited about our prospects.”

Nottinghamshire begin their LV= County Championship campaign against Kent at Trent Bridge from Thursday 15 April.