Nottinghamshire’s second eleven last week completed an excellent win over Warwickshire, and will continue their season with a  match against Leicestershire at Lady Bay this week. 

Captain Paul Franks saw his side excel, and welcomed the use of Edgbaston to host the match. 

“We’re happy with the progress being made at this stage in the season,” he said.

“It was good for the younger players to have two matches at Edgbaston, there aren’t enough first class grounds available for second eleven cricket. 

“It really encouraged, and brought the best out of them.

“They enjoyed their week, and to turn in two really outstanding performances was really pleasing.” 

One young player who made headlines in the Seconds’ Championship match last week was opening bat Jake Libby, who scored an unbeaten 225 in the first innings, and 39 in the second, carrying his bat through the entire match.

“He’s a player who has come onto Chris Tolley’s radar through his connections with Cornwall,” said Franks.

“He’s a cracking lad, with some first class experience already. We knew we were getting a decent player, and he’s already one of the lads. He’s living in the Academy house and is fitting in well.

“The signs are good that he’ll develop into a decent player.” 

 The three-day match against Leicestershire follows their first eleven T20 match at Trent Bridge, and the visitors are expected to name a number of players present in the Championship match. Franks added that he expected his side to rise to the challenge and continue their run of form. 

“The lads had a heavy week, especially after enforcing the follow-on. It’s nothing drastic, just hard work, and they’ll still be feeling good,” he said. 

“In the last few games, with the pitches flattening out a bit and starting to suit batsmen, we’ve really seen individuals put their hands up and produce match-winning performances. 

“Our fixture at Grace Road earlier in the season was rain-affected, and they probably had the better of the contest then. Now, this week, with the weather set fair for the next few days we’ll be looking to continue our good work.”

 

Nottinghamshire Second XI to face Leicestershire: Sam Kelsall, Jake Libby, Will Root, Anuj Dal, Hassan Azad, Adam Tilcock, Tom Moores, Brett Hutton, Paul Franks, Luke Wood, Ben Kitt.