Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne is delighted to have returned for another spell at Trent Bridge, and is hopeful of an immediate impact in his second debut against Essex.

The Rothesay County Championship clash at Trent Bridge begins from 11am tomorrow (Friday 11 April), and Verreynne, who played three matches for the Green and Golds in 2024, is enthused by the prospect of beginning a longer stint in the East Midlands.

“It’s a good feeling to be back at Trent Bridge. I was only here for a few games last season, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the place is really cool,” he said.

“The boys are exceptional, so I’ve been really looking forward to coming back. The first couple of days have been really nice, so I’m looking forward to getting going again.”

Head Coach Peter Moores has named a 13-strong squad for the visit of the Eagles, and after consultation with the ECB, Josh Tongue will be rested for this fixture.

Tongue enjoyed an impressive debut for the Green and Golds, claiming seven wickets and hitting 55 with the bat.

However, as a centrally contracted player and having just returned from a long-term injury, it has been agreed for him to use the Essex fixture as a chance to maintain his physical work ahead of the upcoming trip to Warwickshire in just over a week’s time.

South African Verreynne, meanwhile, returns to Trent Bridge following a positive home summer in which he amassed three Test centuries.

Having only concluded his campaign in the Rainbow Nation within the last few days, he firmly believes he can carry his good form through to the English season.

“It was really good. Personally, I think I had quite a nice season, with a lot of Test cricket, which went quite well, so that was good,” he noted.

“I feel like I’m playing quite nicely at the moment, so it’s quite exciting to get back to Trent Bridge for the start of this season and keep things going with the boys here.”

Staying focused on the present is a key theme on Verreynne’s mind, with a deep desire to do things on his own terms during his second spell at Trent Bridge.

He helped Notts retain their Division One status during the final few games of the 2024 season, but is now keen to kick on and make contributions to push the Green and Golds further up the table.

“I think last year, there was some pressure to get us out of that relegation fight and perform on an individual level, but knowing that I have the whole season ahead is quite nice,” he said.

“I can ease into things a little bit more. It’s exciting to have the chance to be more proactive as the season picks up.”

Verreynne will have his first opportunity to do that with the visit of Essex to the East Midlands, who come armed with a key man whom the 27-year-old knows only too well.

“It will definitely be a challenge to face Simon Harmer!” he laughed.

“Anywhere he plays around the world, he seems to take wickets, whether that’s back home or for Essex here over the last few years, where he’s been incredible too.

“I think it is nice that I’ve played both with and against him quite often, so hopefully I can help the guys out with some inside knowledge on how he goes about his business!”

With greater experience of the international arena and deep knowledge of the game and his opponents, Verreynne is now full of determination to start his second stint positively

“Last year, we were having to fight hard, but at this point, we have a lot of cricket ahead, and it will be really nice to try and impose ourselves and get on the front foot.”