Mick Newell is set to bolster Nottinghamshire’s seam attack for the LV= County Championship fixture against Warwickshire, starting at Trent Bridge tomorrow.

Imran Tahir, who contributed four wickets to the recent five wicket victory over Worcestershire, is absent on international duty and Newell is planning to replace the South African leg-spinner with a fast bowler.

“There is one position in question because, with Imran not being here, we’ll look to play another seamer, but the make-up of that attack will be the subject of some debate between now and then,”  the Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket said.

Tomorrow’s fixture is the first of two matches in the space of a month against the West Midlands outfit and - with the return fixture to be played at Edgbaston in mid-September - Newell will be pleased to have Tahir back in the ranks by then, in what he expects to be more spinner friendly condition.

But, as the viciously swinging ball in the recent Investec Ashes Fourth Test suggested, Trent Bridge is likely to be more conducive to the pacemen and Newell’s 13-man squad includes Luke Wood, Luke Fletcher and Andrew Carter, none of whom featured in the victory at New Road. 

“To play Warwickshire twice in the last four games will be interesting in itself,” said Newell.

“They’re a good side - on a little bit of a downer at the moment having lost to Hampshire, which was a surprising result - but a team that’s had the wood over us a little bit in recent years.

"From our perspective, having Imran available when we go and play there obviously evens out the threat posed by Jeetan Patel.

“Here at Trent Bridge, you’d expect it to be more seam and swing based and hopefully we can get our bowlers in a good place to dominate the game.”

The four day clash against a Warwickshire side, led by Dougie Brown and currently occupying third position in the table, will be closely followed by the quarter-final of the Royal London One-Day Cup against Durham, also at Trent Bridge, on Tuesday.

Newell is adamant that the 50-over knockout fixture will not be allowed to become a distraction as Notts aim to arrest a sequence of eight consecutive first-class matches against the men from the second city without a win.

“We’ve got a big four day game to come and that’s an opportunity for us to keep our progress going in that competition,” said Newell.

“The boys are excited and looking forward to the quarter-final on Tuesday, but it’s important that we keep our focus on the four day game first.

“This is county cricket for you. Durham (Notts’ last eight opponents) have got to play Middlesex, they’ve got to travel and it’s in our favour that we’re at home. It’s not a massive issue. We’ve just got to get on with it.”

Notts are without Michael Lumb, who remains on the sidelines with a thumb injury as they aim to retain an impressive run of form in four day cricket that has brought three wins and a draw from their previous four red ball matches.

Newell admits recent victories are allowing Notts to start looking up the table, but has highlighted the importance of retaining focus in each of the remaining quartet of matches.

“We’re not going to win it, but we want to finish as high as we can. Second place is achievable if we play really well, but we’ve just got to make the best of each game.

“Last year we were first and second all the way through the season and ended up fourth and disappointed.

“This year, because we’ve come from lower down the league, if we can get into that top three at the end of the season we will be very pleased with that.”

 

Nottinghamshire squad to face Warwickshire (from): Jake Ball, Andrew Carter, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Brett Hutton, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Brendan Taylor, James Taylor, Riki Wessels and Luke Wood.

 

Day Two of this LV= County Championship fixture, on Saturday 22nd August, is Trent Bridge’s Family Fun Day with entry priced at £1 and a selection of kids entertainment around the ground. Secure your seats now.

 

Notts Outlaws will face Durham in the quarter-final of the Royal London One-Day Cup on Tuesday 25 August at Trent Bridge and tickets are on sale now. Click here to secure your seats.