Mick Newell says Jake Ball has gone from slow burner to a talent that is delivering after the Nottinghamshire bowler took career best figures of six for 49.
Ball's efforts, along with an unbeaten 120 run eighth wicket stand between Samit Patel and Luke Wood, meant Notts go into day three with a lead of 294 over Sussex at Trent Bridge.
Notts director of cricket Newell said: "In many ways Jake's been our best bowler all season.
"He's put probably two yards of pace on over the winter. He's bowling aggressively and a full length and looks much improved.
"He's been a slow burner but we're excited by what we have."
Notts closed on 228 for seven with Patel unbeaten on 88 and Wood, a bowler by trade, 52 not out to take his match total to 152.
Newell says his team is now in the driving seat to pick up a first win of the season.
"You'd rather be in our position than theirs. Sussex will come out aggressively. If you can get through the first 35 or 40 overs runs have come," he said.
"When we do come to bowl the new ball will be important. They'll play shots and we'll hope that leads to them giving us chances to take wickets.
"Luke and Samit did very well. At 170 ahead when they came together the game was in the balance.
"Luke's shown fantastic composure. For a 19-year-old to make such a contribution in the match is terrific."
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