Dillon Pennington has hailed the influence of Nottinghamshire's coaching staff, after earning his first call-up to England Men's squad for the first two Test matches of the summer - including the Trent Bridge Test between Thursday 18 and Monday 22 July.
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The fast bowler could be in line to make his England debut in the second Test, with James Anderson's impending retirement opening up a spot in the national side's bowling ranks.
And while he has only been with Notts for a matter of months - and has been quick to credit the influence of his former county, Worcestershire, on his professional career - Pennington feels he has made improvements to his game recently which have accelerated his progress.
“Shiney [Assistand Coach Kevin Shine] has been amazing for me since I got here so he deserves a lot of praise, particularly the way he’s been with me and the way he wants to progress my game,” Pennington said.
“He’s given me a lot of confidence and he knows bowling coaching in amazing depth; I’ve had a lot of questions which he always has answers for.
“The great thing about him is how quickly he got to know me - we clicked straight away.
“We have developed a few cues which I can think about at the top of my mark, and they are designed for international cricket.
“They simplify my game, and allow me to do it on the pitch when the pressure is at the highest. I’ve been able to put them into use with good effect this season.
“They bring me back down to earth, to the here and now, and they will hopefully help me out if I get the opportunity to play.”
Pennington is amongst the leading wicket takers in Division One of the Vitality County Championship with 31 and an average of 23.80.
In total, the 25-year-old has taken 28 wickets at Trent Briddge to date, including his maiden Notts five-fer against Somerset.
And he feels that the familiarity provided by the ground could stand him in good stead should he make an appearance for the Three Lions in the East Midlands.
“It is definitely nice to play somewhere you’re used to,” he said.
“I have played a lot of cricket and bowled a lot of overs here this year, and that gives you that extra security.
“From the word go, everyone at Trent Bridge has been really good. The players, staff and members are all really supportive, and I’ve had a lot of well wishes from across the club since the call-up.”
Pennington joins an England side known for its expressive brand of cricket and positive approach to the game - something which he feels can only be beneficial.
“The way Baz [Brendon McCullum, Head Coach] and Stokesy [Ben Stokes] spoke to me on the phone gives me the confidence that I can go in and hopefully perform,” he said.
“The environment they’re trying to set up is pretty relaxed and allows people to go into the dressing room and be themselves.
“I have got on well with Ducky [Ben Duckett] since coming to Notts and it will be nice to share a dressing room with him.
“And there’s also Harry Brook - I played with him in the U19 World Cup in 2018 but obviously his career has progressed significantly from then.
“I actually think it’s a really special moment getting picked for the U19s - it’s the first stepping stone for what you want to do and the goals you had when you were young - but it is a bit of a different feeling when you get picked for the senior side.
“I know the pressure can be a lot higher, but I’m just trying to enjoy it as much as possible."