Nottinghamshire’s England stars Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom will be available for two of the first three LV County Championship matches of the season after returning from their successful tour of New Zealand.

The pair will be available, if fit, to feature against Oxford UCCE from April 23-25 before travelling to Headingley to take on Yorkshire in the LV County Championship from April 30 to May 3.

They then have a chance to appear in the first home Championship fixture of the season against Kent, from May 7-10, before the Test series with New Zealand begins on May 15.

Notts Director of Cricket Mick Newell said: “Both players had a big part to play in England’s series win so we’re delighted to have them available to us for two important matches.

“Sidebottom’s performances have been excellent for the best part of a year now and Broad came on well in the last two Tests.

“With Sidebottom’s central contract, every appearance he makes will be a bonus to us. We will see how things go with Broad but clearly he is in pole position to retain his place following his good winter.”

Team-mate Graeme Swann is available to play in all Notts fixtures from the start of the season.