Nottinghamshire are actively pursuing a new fast bowler for next season as Director of Cricket Mick Newell looks to cover for the absence of Ryan Sidebottom.

With the 29-year-old left-armer on a 12-month ECB central contract, his appearances for Notts are likely to be few and far between in 2008.

And Newell has begun the hunt for a replacement to avoid the need for any loan signings during the season.

He said: “It’s great news that Sidebottom has got the central contract and I believe it’s well deserved. But it does mean he won’t play much for us next year and we need to get another seamer in as cover.

“We had a terrible run of luck with injuries to fast bowlers last season and I don’t want to be left in that kind of situation again.”

However, Newell is not looking for an extra spin bowler despite Graeme Swann’s call-up to tour Sri Lanka next month.

He added: “Swann’s main chance realistically in English conditions is in one-day cricket. Monty Panesar is probably the number one for Tests so I would not expect Swann to miss many games for us.”

This article is taken from the Winter issue of Covered, theofficial Notts CCC magazine available to all members. For membership detailsclick here.