Nottinghamshire Academy Director Chris Tolley has praised the application of Luke Wood following the award of his first professional contract.
Wood was included in a 14-man squad that traveled to Durham this week and although he was left out of the match day eleven, he is closer than ever to a first class debut.
“Luke has been around the system for while but we were able to have much more contact time with him when he moved into academy accommodation after his A-levels,” said Tolley.
“His skills have improved significantly, he can swing the ball late and he’s got a good bumper.
“His challenge was to work out how to take wickets with the older red ball when batsmen are coming at him a little less hard than they might in one-day cricket but he’s developed that side of his game as well.”
Tolley hopes to develop more match-ready cricketers with several candidates making sound progress.
“Ben Kitt has bowled with real pace and he’s been particularly impressive recently,” said Tolley.
“Anuj Dal has chipped in well but needs to go on and get those really big scores that are going to command attention and Tom Keest is a wicket-keeper with great hands who is working hard to improve his batting.”
Tom Moores, son of England Head Coach Peter, is also making good progress on the Nottinghamshire books.
“Tom’s batting has been impressive and he is working to become a bit more consistent in his wicket-keeping.
“Simon Walton and Simon Webster have missed most of the season with injuries but they will have a lot to offer when they return to fitness.”