Trent Bridge is set to witness its first competitive cricket of 2014 as Nottinghamshire host Northamptonshire in their final pre-season fixture.

Fresh from a pre-season tour that saw Nottinghamshire retain the Barbados T20 Cup, captain Chris Read expressed his desire to hit the ground running in home settings.

“We had some good practices in Barbados, some good cricket but now we’re back at Trent Bridge, netting in six degrees and have Northants to face in the morning,” he said.

“What we can get out of the 180 overs is vital going forward to the start of the season.

“From a batting perspective at this time of the year it’s a case of getting some time in the middle, assessing the pace of the wickets and how the ball moves around. 

“It’s always nice to get a few sessions behind the stumps under your belt too, and a welcome chance to see the bowlers in action again.”

“This is back to the day job and if the guys don’t get a buzz out of walking out onto the field at Trent Bridge then there’s something wrong. 

“I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to it.”

This season’s Barbados tour saw established professionals such as Riki Wessels and Paul Franks joined by a selection of the squad’s younger professionals. With highly-rated bowler Luke Wood, batsman Anuj Dal and keeper Matt Cross all making an impact.

“It was a nice opportunity to see the future of the club,” said Read. 

“There were three players there who I hadn’t had much chance to see before the trip. 

“Those places came up for grabs, with our lads being out with England and the MCC, it gave them a good opportunity to be in and around the first team lads and see what they’re capable of.” 

Notts will showcase a combination of youth and experience, with youngsters Sam Kelsall, Sam Wood, Brett Hutton and Adam Tillcock all named in the eleven. Steven Mullaney will open, while captain Read will resume his service as wicket keeper.

Nottinghamshire XI to face Northants: Steven Mullaney, Sam Kelsall, Sam Wood, Riki Wessels, Chris Read (c), Adam Tillcock, Ajmal Shahzad, Brett Hutton, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Andy Carter.

The match will be divided into six 30 over sessions over the two days with one side batting for two sessions and bowling for one before switching roles on day two. Northants will bat for the two sessions on Thursday, and Nottinghamshire on Friday.

Play begins at 11, and coverage of the match can be found by following @Trentbridge on twitter, and to join the conversation use the hashtag #NottsvNorthants