Paul Franks was full of admiration for the way in which an inexperienced Second XI took to the challenge, despite defeat against Somerset.
Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 249 in the second innings on the final day to lose the fixture at Taunton Vale by 50 runs.
But having watched his side go toe-to-toe with a strong West Country outfit, and having also presided over a hard-fought victory over Lancashire during the previous week, the Assistant Head Coach’s outlook is optimistic.
“The result didn’t go our way and – after putting so much into the game and playing some really good cricket – that’s always frustrating,” he said.
“In the bigger scheme of things, the satisfaction taken from the response of the lads to the challenges they have faced was good to see.
“Somerset were more experienced in terms of the number of First-Class games they have played, and we embraced that as a challenge.
“They had some pace in their bowling attack and it was great to see our lads stand up to that, which will give them confidence heading into a busy and competitive May.
“It was an excellent cricket pitch. It had pace, it had bounce and – for a game to go past Tea on the fourth day and reach a natural conclusion inside the last hour – it’s a great advert for four-day cricket in the Second XI competition.”
With Somerset’s first innings total of 342 proving sufficient for a first innings lead of 43, the period on the opening afternoon within which Roelof Van Der Merwe powered to a century was pivotal in the final shake-up according to Franks.
“During the second session of day one, the game moved ahead really quickly.
“We were a bit sloppy at times, the rate got away from us and we didn’t control the game as we had been doing previously.
“They scored at around four-an-over during that period, which felt heavy.”
Day one was, however, something of a momentous occasion for Jake Ball, with the Nottinghamshire and England paceman bowling in a match for the first time since his 2021 season was cut short by injury.
Franks, who underwent a long-term rehabilitation or two in his time as a player, spoke warmly about seeing the 31-year-0ld back in action.
“It was really encouraging for all of the players and staff to see Jake back on the field,” he said.
“The journey he has been on over the last 18 months has been complicated and frustrating at times.
“Getting back onto the grass is always a goal in rehabilitation, so it was great to see.
“You can do all the preparation, but getting back onto the cricket field – fielding, bowling and getting back into the swing of things – it pushes you to a different place, and he was really positive about it all.
“Hopefully next week he’ll take another step in the right direction. We’re really looking forward to getting him back in the first team mix because we know how good a bowler he is.
“We’re taking it one step at a time. We’re not rushing him. We just need to be making sure that we look after the medium and long-term as well as the here and now.
“Making sure that he tracks properly through this phase of his rehab is important.”
Nottinghamshire’s standout bowling figures came courtesy of the leg-spin of Calvin Harrison (6-95) and the pace of Toby Pettman (7-105). Franks was unsurprisingly full of praise for their contributions.
“His attitude towards his cricket is excellent,” said Franks of Harrison, whose 14 competitive wickets in 2022 to date have come at an average of 13.64. “He goes out there to express himself and shows a level of maturity that’s really positive.
“He studies his game well and we have good debate as player and coach about how he is moving forward
“He’d have liked a few more runs during the early part of the summer, but he’s working hard on that aspect of his game and it’s something with which we’ll continue to support him. When he starts to fire with the bat as well, he’ll be a serious all-rounder.”
Pettman, a second-year professional who previously captained Oxford UCCE, has garnered 14 wickets at 14.93 during the Championship season so far. Franks believes that the 6ft 7ins fast-bowler is beginning to look like a senior bowler within the Second XI ranks.
“He’s taken on the responsibility of effectively leading the attack in the Second XI, which is a good progression for him,” said Franks.
“He’s a work horse. He enjoys bowling, and this year I’ve seen a real difference in the style with which he’s taking his wickets, and he can take a lot of confidence from that.
“He’s very coachable, he wants to learn and he wants to progress. The signs are good for Toby. He’s not one to rest on his laurels and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes it over this next two four-day games.”
Live scorecard and video are highlights are available to view here…
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