Mick Newell defended his selection policy after coming under scrutiny at a members' forum yesterday at Trent Bridge.

Nottinghamshire fans asked the director of cricket about a variety issues from Harry Gurney's future to Steven Mullaney's suitability to the opening batsman's roles.

Gurney was left out of the ongoing game against Northamptonshire at the request of England coach Peter Moores, having made his debut against Scotland last week.

Newell backed his choice not to turn the request of his fellow England selector down as he revealed Gurney will play for the 2nds tomorrow against their Yorkshire counterparts in preparation for Friday's T20 Blast game against Lancashire.

He said: "Peter Moores asked for Harry to be left out of the Northants game. I'm perfectly entitled to say 'yes we are going to pick him'.

"I think the fact he asked is a good sign for Harry. He'll play for us on Friday in the T20 and for the 2nds on Wednesday to make sure he's ready for that game.

"I believe as a county we owe it to the coach and Harry Gurney to make sure Harry is in the best possible shape for England. It's something that happens across the game."

Newell was then asked what plans are in place to replace Andre Adams when he retires from first-class cricket at the end of the season.

Peter Siddle should also leave to play for Australia in the Ashes next summer, potentially leaving a hole in the attack, but Newell says his current bowlers should see that as an opportunity.

"The challenge this year is for the bowlers to prove to me that we don't need to sign any new bowlers," he said.

"That's something we'll think about in July and August, if we've not started already. Jake Ball, Ajmal Shahzad, Andy Carter, Brett Hutton, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney – is that enough or do we need to add to that? I'm aware of the situation."

Injured all-rounder Mullaney was also queried on his ability to open the batting as a member suggested Notts were in need of better players at the top of the order.

Newell defended his man, saying conditions at Trent Bridge put off even the best putting their reputation on the line.

"The reason Mullaney is opening the batting is because he averaged 39.84 last year, third only to Michael Lumb and James Taylor so I'd say that was a pretty decent average.

"He volunteered to open the batting when others were struggling. We've also got in Phil Jaques a guy who was meant to be here as cover for Alex Hales.

"He'll do an excellent job for us and Alex is opening against Northants so let's see how he does. It's an ongoing point. We are always looking for better players.

"Since (Darren) Bicknell and (Jason) Gallian you find me two top quality openers. Marcus Trescothick is the best opener in the country but he won't come here because he knows it's hard."

The club were asked to explain why there were no home County Championship fixtures in July or August.

Chairman Peter Wright said this was largely because ten days had to be kept free before each of the two England games to be played at Trent Bridge this summer. 

They also vowed to try and improve conditions for supporters who go to watch the 2nds in action at Lady Bay after a complaint was made over a lack of seating.

Chief executive Lisa Pursehouse added that Notts do not own the facility, somewhat taking matters out of their hands.

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