Paul Coughlin believes playing an active part with bat and ball is the perfect way to put a troublesome 2018 behind him.

The all-rounder posted a half-century as Nottinghamshire posted 400-9 on day two of the pre-season friendly against Northamptonshire, before then putting ten overs into his legs with the ball.

“I didn’t play at all last year really, so to be playing a part with bat and ball is exactly what I hoped for,” he said.

“I can’t wait to start this year. There’s a lot of people I’ve got to thank for that – all the medical staff, fitness staff and all the coaches – for putting me in a position to get out there on the park.”

Coughlin’s return to fitness following the shoulder injury than wrecked his 2018 only adds to the fierce competition for places among the Nottinghamshire bowling ranks.

And the former Durham man believes he’s on track to be firing on all cylinders for the start of the competitive campaign.

“I think I’m pretty much there,” he said. “All the bowlers have got enough overs into the legs to be pretty much firing and ready to go.

“We’ve spoken as a bowling unit and everyone is fully aware that we’ve got eight or nine bowlers that could potentially play.

“It’s a good benchmark to have someone who you feel you’ve got to be better than. It’s healthy competition we’ve got here and it’s firing all the lads up.”

While Coughlin’s innings on this occasion was one of aggression, the 26-year-old emphasised his eagerness to be an adaptable batsman who can alter his approach to any situation.

“The top-order did a brilliant job and put us in a position where we could go out and express ourselves down the order,” said the Sunderland born right-hander.

“The pressure wasn’t fully off, but the shine had been taken off the ball and that made it a lot easier for us guys down the order.

“You adapt to the way the wicket is playing, how the bowling is and the game situation.

“There are a lot of ways to play the perfect innings and that can be very different from day-to-day.

“I think we showed great intent without being overly aggressive. We hit the bad ball throughout the innings and scored at a high rate without losing wickets too quickly.”

******

Nottinghamshire begin their Specsavers County Championship campaign at Trent Bridge on Friday 5 April against Yorkshire. You can watch every ball of their campaign, as well as all seven T20 Vitality Blast games and all four Royal London One-Day Cup matches from £29 as a Member. Find out more here....