Paul Franks wants Nottinghamshire to take advantage of the spotlight on Trent Bridge this summer and attract big crowds to watch domestic matches.

Notts' home ground is the chosen venue for the opening Investec Ashes Test against Australia, which begins on July 10, and a NatWest Series One Day International between England and New Zealand this season.

It will also host the another Ashes Test in 2015, the only ground other than Lord's and The Oval to secure matches in the next two home series against the old enemy, after recent ground developments impressed the ECB.

"We have the opening Ashes Test this year and an Ashes test in two years time, so it is an exciting time for Trent Bridge, both internationally and domestically."

However, the long-serving all-rounder, who has spent his entire 17-year professional career with the club, wants Notts to also play their part in creating a "special" summer of cricket at in the city.

"I have been here for 17 years now and have seen the changing face of Trent Bridge. The Radcliffe Road Stand changed, we have got the Hound Road stand, we have got these giant screens and 15 years ago you would never have dreamt of it," he said.

"We have the opening Ashes Test this year and an Ashes test in two years time, so it is an exciting time for Trent Bridge, both internationally and domestically."

While the visit of Australia appears to be the star attraction, Franks is hopeful that the crowds will also flock to see Notts in action this summer, but he knows that may only be possible if the club can produce eye-catching performances and results.

"We want to bring big games to the ground. We want Twenty20 nights with 15,000 people in the ground so we need to play a brand of cricket that will put bums on seats, whether that is in the Championship, Twenty20, or one-day cricket for that matter.

"I think we have got the capability, but capability only gets you to the bottom of the stairs, and it is about going onto the field and performing, and that is how we need to start our season."

Notts begin their LV= County Championship campaign against Middlesex on April 10, while the first home Yorkshire Bank 40 and Friends Life T20 matches take place on May 8 and June 28 respectively.

The Nottingham Post will provide extensive cricket coverage throughout the season with previews, reports and features published online and in the paper.