Franks keeps faith

What happened to Paul Franks? When he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager everyone thought he was special. On his 21st birthday he had 220 first-class wickets at 27.29 and was the Cricket Writers' Young Player of the Year. After successful England A tours he won a single one-day cap against West Indies in 2000.

Things have not gone smoothly since. A knee injury messed up the next three seasons, although last summer there were signs of a return to that earlier form. Now 26, Franks is desperate to play a major role in the county's drive for their first Championship since 1987.

"I was in short trousers the last time we won it and it means so much to a local-born lad to be part of something like this. The England experience was good but this would be very special."

However, he is still struggling to break into the successful side. "The knee injury took 10 months just to heal and it took two years on top of that to get my confidence back because something like that affects a fast bowler's mind. And I made a couple of mistakes on the way back. I've still got some way to go with the ball but I'm pleased with my batting and I'm making runs with greater consistency."

Whatever the travails of his career, Franks has remained a commendably cheerful and colourful performer.

Moment of the month Graeme Swann's 6 for 57 in the 10-wicket mauling of champions Warwickshire.