Smith enjoying buzz as Notts get down to business
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE opener Greg Smith is determined to make the most of his time at the top of the order and admits there was no better way to start the campaign than hitting the winning runs against former side Leicestershire.
With Steven Mullaney picking up an injury in pre-season, Smith jumped at the chance to partner Jake Libby at the top of the order and got his side over the finishing line in their Specsavers County Championship opener with a huge six that smashed a pavilion window.
That helped Notts to a tenwicket victory over the Foxes and ahead of their clash with Durham, which gets underway today, Smith claims there is a real buzz about the squad.
“There’s lot of energy in the changing room and it’s a happy place to be. It’s mainly coming from Fletch (bowler Luke Fletcher) – he’s like a kid at Christmas,” said Smith.
“One of the big things we are going to take this year is that when we’re on (at work), we’re on, and when we’re off (away from the game), we’re off.
“It’s important to have a really relaxing time when we are away from each other’s company and then when we step over the boundary rope together, it is business time.”
The Notts bowlers were rampant in the second innings, bowling Leicestershire out for just 81, which allowed Smith and Libby to see the visitors over the line at Grace Road in just ten deliveries.
And though Smith is expecting a tough test at Chester-le-Street, he is confident of returning with a healthy points total.
“Without doubt Durham away is always a testing fixture, and we are well aware of that,” added Smith.
“But it’s a great part of the world to go to and we go up there with a full bag of points and with a lot of confidence.”
Durham welcome South Africa batsman Stephen Cook to their ranks this season, and he could make his bow in the clash with Notts.
Cook has amassed over 14,000 first-class runs to date and will hope to be involved, after he watched his new side perform well in pre-season.
“I thought I might get to watch some more cricket but it was all over by lunchtime of day three,” said Cook of the swift victory over Durham MCCU earlier this week.
“The guys looked in good form, particularly some of the seam bowlers, so hopefully it is a sign of things to come.
“I have only heard good things about Durham so I am looking forward to getting out here against Notts, who have a good side and are coming off a good win.
“It will be straight into a tough tussle, which is the way I like it.”