Rob Ferley claims he’s ready to grasp his opportunity if picked whenNotts Outlaws take on Northants in the Friends Provident Trophy onSunday.

Friends Provident Trophy
April 29: Northamptonshire Steelbacks v Notts Outlaws
Start time: 10.45am

The County Ground at Northampton is regarded as one of the best wickets for spinners in the country, and the 25-year-old is in line to make his Notts debut alongside Graeme Swann.

He said: “Northampton has always been a favourite ground for spinners and we might get some joy with an early season match, as the pitch might be a bit slower.

“Having said that, I haven’t actually played there myself before, as Kent and Northants haven’t come up against each other much during my career.

“It would be great to play this weekend and get a chance to contribute. The move has been good for me and I’ve really enjoyed settling in with the lads in the changing room.

“Now I just want to get out there and play. I can’t wait to get a game, but if it’s not against Northants, then there are a few away fixtures coming and hopefully the weather will stay dry to improve my chances.”

The two sides came up against each other in two pre-season matches at Trent Bridge, with one victory each.

Ferley was able to see Northants up close in the second of those games, and thinks the two sides are evenly matched.

He added: “In the first game we came out on top and on the second they did, so they’ve shown their potential.

“But I think our win showed how we can look to capitalise on their bowling attack. It’s going to be a close game so we’ll need to stay focused and try and get on top of them.”

Notts squad:
Gallian, Shafayat, Wagh, Hussey (capt), Patel, Read (wkt), Ealham, Franks, Swann, Ferley, Sidebottom, Harris, Clough.

Northants one to watch:
Chris Rogers - A left-handed opening batsman with a fearsome first-class average above 50, the Western Australian has plenty of experience of county cricket, having also played for Derbyshire and Leicestershire. In 2005 he hit a double hundred for the Foxes against his touring national side and last year finished with 1352 runs for Northants, including his career best 319 against Gloucestershire.
Like David Hussey, Rogers has played for Australia A in the past but has yet to earn a Baggy Green cap at full international level.