Franks calls for Notts focus

Nottinghamshire seamer Paul Franks has been involved in two victorious County Championship campaigns with his one and only county side

Following their LV= County Championship Division One win last season, Nottinghamshire seamer Paul Franks has called on his team to keep their eye on the ball in the upcoming campaign.

Franks, who is set to begin his 16th season at Trent Bridge, notes how previous contenders Somerset and Yorkshire have strengthened their squad over the winter, meaning that Notts will need to be better than ever to retain the title.

Speaking about building on previous success, Franks told ecb.co.uk: "We don't take for granted that it's going to keep happening. We keep working at it. Everything is a lot easier when you are winning, but if you take your eye off the ball teams will run past you."

The team is certainly in better shape now than it has been at times during Franks' stay at the club and he admits he is "very fortunate to be in this era".

"The club has won the County Championship five times in its history and I've won it twice. There are exciting times ahead and I certainly want to be part of it," he added.

As for how the 32-year-old sees his role within the team at present, it seems like he is pleased to be taking on a more senior position and helping out the younger players at the club.

Franks said: "My progression has been to guide, advise and mentor. I'd like that to continue as we move forward. I'm thoroughly enjoying pre-season so far."

As much as Franks is excited about what is ahead for himself and Notts, he cannot help but look back at an injury-affected international career that included just a single one-day cap against West Indies in 2000.

He said: "The one regret or frustration from that time was that I didn't get the extended run that others did. I suppose that might always be in the back of my mind."

The hunger is still there for Franks to perform for his county, though, and he believes he has plenty to offer over the coming years.

He added: "I don't feel mentally any different to how I did 16 years ago. The excitement from playing cricket I hope will never go away.

"I am happy with where I am at and hopefully we will have more success."