Dane Paterson is looking forward to the prospect of going toe to toe with former teammates as Nottinghamshire travel to the North East to face Durham in the LV= Insurance County Championship.
The South African seamer made his Notts return in the recent fixture against Glamorgan.
He is set for his 14th First-Class appearance for the club at the Riverside, having garnered 57 wickets at an average of 18.78 during his Green and Golds career so far.
Of the side that featured at Trent Bridge last week, Joey Evison misses out due to a foot injury, with Lyndon James, Matthew Carter and Luke Fetcher - himself returning from a hamstring strain - completing a squad of 13.
Stuart Broad, meanwhile, is set to make his 2022 Nottinghamshire bow at home against Worcestershire next week.
At Chester-le-Street, Paterson could face David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen, whom Paterson played with for Cape Cobras and the Proteas respectively.
The opportunity to go up against old teammates is one he will relish, should the chance be afforded.
“It definitely helps knowing a bit about them, I can offer that knowledge to the guys in the dressing room and add a bit of information in squad meetings,” he said.
“It’s nice to be able to contribute in that way, it’ll be a good battle between the 'Saffas'.
“Bedingham was in good touch back in South Africa before he returned, and we know he is a key member of their side. If we can keep him quiet then that’ll be a great start.
“And we know the quality Keegan brings, he is an international cricketer. Hopefully I can chip in against both of them.”
Paterson took three wickets on his return to Trent Bridge, and hit his straps with an impressive spell on the morning of day four.
He admitted he feels in good rhythm, and has enjoyed rekindling relationships with the squad and coaches following his winter at home in South Africa.
“I was excited to come back. It is a bit different now because I know everybody at the club and have mates here,” he said.
“It makes the transition a little easier, and it helps when you hit the ground running. I have got the cobwebs out of my system and the body feels good - playing a handful of games back home helped.
“I have spoken to Shiney since the game against Glamorgan about using the crease a bit more, but everything else seems to be clicking, so hopefully that will continue. I call him Mr Miagi, sometimes he can be hard on me but it’s great to be working in person with him again.”
Paterson has also returned to a Notts squad possessing a renewed battery of seam bowlers; Australian overseas James Pattinson joins a host of young guns, including the likes of Toby Pettman and James Hayes, pressing their case for inclusion in the first team squad.
According to the South African, the depth of talent can only be a good thing and, as an experienced campaigner, he has much to offer the group.
“Jimmy being here is great for us. When he starts hitting his straps he will be dangerous,” Paterson said.
“He is experienced and brings a lot to the group. He is one of the characters who Mull can let run free, that’s how you get the best from him.
“And it is always a positive to have a good young crop. I have said before that the youngsters here at Notts are talented and have time on their side, and it is important to have that depth.
“They will continue to develop with the help of the senior players. It is a scary thing how talented the guys coming through are, and it bodes well moving forwards.”
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