Prolific Greg gives Moores a nudge

GREG Smith is finding his form in the Second XI Championship and Notts coach Peter Moores admits the opener’s form is giving him food for thought.

With Steven Mullaney injured, Smith, 28, opened in Notts’ first three Championship games this term and helped record a win at Durham with an unbeaten 60.

But he has not played for the first team since, with Mullaney back to full fitness alongside new signing Cheteshwar Pujara atop the order and Billy Root being preferred in the white-ball format.

But rather than feel sorry for himself, Smith has responded with some virtuoso second XI performances, making 93 and an unbeaten 103 in the Trophy against Durhamand Northants respectively.

He then saved his best for last week’s Second XI Championship draw with Northants, as he produced a composed 146 from 245 balls, and head coach Moores insists the former Leicestershire star is not forgotten.

“Greg’s situation is a tough one,” said Moores.“He’s a very good player who came in and played well in a winning team.

“That was always going to be a tough balance of bringing Pujara in, and then you have Mullaney fit again.

“It was tough on Greg. It was great to see him go into the second XI and get a ton straight away. It's what you want. It's a competitive squad.

“You want people knocking on the door.We've still got a lot of cricket to play.”

Notts’ draw with Northants saw them climb to fifth in the North Division of the Second Eleven Championship, but it’s Warwickshirewho lead the way after obliterating Derbyshireby ten wickets to take their tally to two wins and three draws from six matches.

There were also impressive victories for Durhamover Leicestershire and Lancashire over Worcestershire.