Neil Edwards looks set to begin Nottinghamshire's season in an opening partnership with Alex Hales after a strong showing on the Club's pre-season tour of Barbados.

Nottinghamshire face Loughborough MCCU in a three day first class fixture at Trent Bridge beginning on Sunday.

Edwards struggled for form in an injury-hit 2011 but has earned his place in a top four that also features new signings Michael Lumb and James Taylor.

Ben Phillips will also feature with Nottinghamshire's seam attack keen to impress ahead of the impending return of Andre Adams who is expected to come straight into the team to face Worcestershire in Nottinghamshire's first LV= County Championship match of 2012.

Graeme White will play in the absence of Samit Patel but there will be no place for Steven Mullaney or Karl Turner with Riki Wessels to bat at number five.

Nottinghamshire team to face Loughborough MCCU (from): Alex Hales, Neil Edwards, Michael Lumb, James Taylor, Riki Wessels, Chris Read (C), Paul Franks, Ben Phillips, Graeme White, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Andy Carter