Greg Smith ready to make an impact at Nottinghamshire CCC after Leicestershire CCC move

Smith (26) admits he’s really looking forward to this season and to making an impression during the club’s pre-season tour in Barbados.

“I’m always excited to be playing cricket,” he said.

“And it’s not hard to get excited when you’re over here in the Caribbean with a new team and the season so close. I can’t wait for it all to get going.”

Injuries to both Michael Lumb and Jake Libby have clearly opened the door at the top of the batting order and Smith aims to be the one to go through it.

“Jake and Lumby are clearly quality players but there is now an opportunity there,” he added.

“I’m not taking anything as given and I’m under no illusions. I know I need to have a good tour here and really try and cement my spot come April 12th at Lord’s.”

Opening the batting at Trent Bridge has been notoriously difficult over recent seasons, particularly in the early weeks but the right-hander is desperate to fill any vacancy that may be going.

“I see myself as a top order batsman, yes, as an opening batsman and looking at the line-up of players that we’ve got at Notts there are so many middle order batsman it may be that if I do play then opening may be the role I’m given.

“I’m under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead,” said Smith.

“I didn’t think life would be easier just by moving up the road. You’ve got to start somewhere and I’m not scared of the challenge, I’m excited more than anything about it.”

No-one would be signed solely on the strength of one or two good performances but the Notts coaching staff have had a couple of good looks at Smith in his pomp.

He made 114, his maiden first class century, whilst skippering Durham MCCU against Notts in 2010 and last summer blazed his way to 102 from only 54 balls against the Outlaws at Grace Road.

Following in the same footsteps as James Taylor, the former Fox admits he’s looking forward to the step up of playing in Division One of the County Championship.

“I am, one hundred per cent looking forward to it,” said Smith.

“We played against all the guys from the bigger counties in one-day cricket anyway, so you do get a good look at those you’ll be up against.

“It’s not a different sport but the quality in the First Division squads runs a bit deeper and having spoken to the guys it’s the second and third change bowling where the skill level is consistently better.”