Fresh off the back of a bowling camp in Pretoria in South Africa, Andy Pick says Nottinghamshire’s bowlers are in great shape as the countdown to the new season continues.
Strengthened by the return to full fitness of Paul Coughlin and Jake Ball, as well as the availability of Stuart Broad for the opening rounds and the signing of Zak Chappell, Pick is anticipating tough decisions with regards selection.
For now, the bowlers have been joined by the rest of the squad for the pre-season tour of Potchefstroom with match practice high on the agenda.
The Bowling Coach, whose playing career at Trent Bridge spanned 15 years between 1983 and 1997, has labelled the county’s current crop of bowlers ‘the cartel’ as he aims to bring them together.
“The ‘cartel’ gives a feeling of belonging, showing that you aren’t on your own,” explained Pick.
“It has a humorous side but it is also serious. It helps us come together as a group and review whether we have had a good or bad day.
“All the boys are looking strong at the moment.
“I think everyone has got over any of the niggles they have had. It’s great to see Paul Coughlin running in off his full run-up and to have Jake Ball and Jack Blatherwick back with a full bill of health.
“Zak has come back in great shape after his time with the Lions and what was probably the hardest winter he has had during his career.
“It’s an exciting time, selection will be tough on some guys, there will be a lot of jockeying for position in the team but that can only be a good thing.”
Pick, who joined the coaching staff ahead of the 2014 season, gave an insight into the coaching style that has seen him help develop some of Nottinghamshire and England’s finest.
“I’m not trying to make everyone the same and bowl from one template,” he said.
“With the news lads, it’s a case of sitting down and saying ‘when you bowl well, what is happening with your action?’
“Bowlers at this level can usually tell me straight away so for me it’s a case of observing them and keeping an eye on the fundamentals of bowling, and whether what they have told me is visible in their action.
“That’s how I have worked with Chappy (Zak Chappell) and Coggers (Paul Coughlin) and with the overseas players such as James Pattinson and Ben Hilfenhaus when they have come over.
“It’s my job to suggest a few things, if I can back it with some video analysis that is even better, but ultimately it’s their action and that’s how they make their living.
“I wouldn’t expect them to change something just because I said they should.”
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