Second team captain Paul Franks hopes his side will showcase their talent when they start their season at Essex tomorrow. 

After a winter restructure, Franks was made second team captain whilst he also works towards his ECB Level 4 coaching qualifications. 

His job will be to help the younger players develop their games and enable them to be knocking on the door for first team selection, a job he is relishing ahead of their final pre-season friendly. 

“This is the most exciting time of the year,” Franks said. 

“All the lads have put themselves through a hard winter and had good preparation but now it is about putting in a good performance.”

With the Nottinghamshire seamer keen to see his players take their chances when they come, Franks was keen not to name any names so not to put pressure on anyone before the season has even began.

“I don’t want the guys to go out there with a ‘win at all costs mentality’" - Paul Franks

“I want as many players to put themselves in the shop window as possible so Mick Newell and Andy Pick can pick them if needed and know they will do a job,” he said.

“Any of this bunch that we have here can do just that and are ready to step into the breach if international call-ups or injuries occur.”

After reaching the Second Eleven Trophy final last year expectations are high but Franks is eager not to put pressure on his side to emulate the feat.

“I don’t want the guys to go out there with a ‘win at all costs mentality’. I want them to be a bit more relaxed than that,” he said.

“For me it is about the players putting in match winning performances and then hopefully victories will be close behind.

“They can do this by scoring big hundreds or taking five-wicket hauls and once again putting their hand up for selection.”

The Essex friendly will see Franks’ young charges travel for a three-day fixture at Garon Park in Southend, and he is eager to use the game as ample preparation for the season ahead.

“It’s hard to know what Essex will bring so it is all about focusing on our game and seeing what we can do to improve,” said Franks.

“The work ethic has been fantastic and it is such a pleasure to name a side that all have their background in Nottingham.”

The seconds’ first competitive fixture of 2014 will come on April 14 in the Second Eleven Trophy against Yorkshire.

Nottinghamshire team to face Essex: Azad Kelsall S.Wood Dal Tillcock Cross Franks (c) Hutton Webster L.Wood Kitt