Top two sides set for a Trent Bridge showdown

After a short break, the Specsavers County Championship returns this weekend with the top two sides clashing in a mouth-watering encounter at Trent Bridge.
Nottinghamshire CC 2018, T20 kit
Chris NashNottinghamshire CC 2018, T20 kit
Chris Nash
Nottinghamshire CC 2018, T20 kit Chris Nash

Nottinghamshire, back in the First Division after securing promotion at the end of last season, host leaders Surrey and know that they’ve got ground to make up.

Notts will have to make at least two changes from the side that played in the last four-day match, against Worcestershire in June.

The overseas berth is temporarily vacant after Ross Taylor’s stint with the county has ended.

South African Quinton de Kock will join the county shortly but for the Surrey match Notts may opt to register Dan Christian, their Vitality Blast captain, something they have done in the past.

Also missing will be Chris Nash, currently recuperating after a shoulder injury.

“I’ve torn a few tendons and the shoulder sort of semi-popped out,” revealed Nash.

“We don’t know how it’s going to heal yet but hopefully it won’t need surgery and I’ll be back in a few weeks.”

The former Sussex batsman was starting to run into some seriously good form when the injury occurred in the opening Blast match against Birmingham Bears.

Nash had successfully skippered Notts in their matches against Essex and Worcestershire, with club captain Steven Mullaney away on England Lions duty.

“I thought the game against Essex was a fantastic win and we probably deserved to beat Worcestershire but all in all I think we should be very happy where we are,” he said.

“In terms of the championship I’d say we are pleased at where we are.

“You always want to be in with a shout going into the second half of the season and I think if you said to any team in the division that you’re in the top three with six games to go then you are very happy.”

Notts will be hoping to have both of their two current England international bowlers, Stuart Broad and Jake Ball, available against the First Division high-flyers, although Broad’s fitness is still being monitored.

Notts face Surrey in the Specsavers County Championship at Trent Bridge from 22-25 July 2018. Follow the action at www.eastwoodadvertiser.co.uk.