Interview with Nottinghamshire's Paul Franks and Paul Reiffel

Nottinghamshire's two star Pauls - Franks and Reiffel - are in many ways an interesting contrast. Franks at 21 exudes the confidence of a young cricketer who's just received his first rallying call to the flag while Australian veteran and one-time tormentor of English Test batsmen, Reiffel has the air of the experienced campaigner one would expect. As the senior partner in the new Notts seam attack, Reiffel is naturally more circumspect but both share a determination to bring success to Nottinghamshire

The excitement and disappointment that surrounded Shoaib's Nottingham adventure does not intimidate Reiffel. "I was basically looking to take some time off this winter in Australia," says Reiffel. "This was my first winter since I retired from International cricket and was intending to spend some time at home with the family and to reflect on my career with Australia and what's ahead for me now. But when the call came from Notts it suited my very well.

"I had had a couple of doing bits and pieces at home but I've always wanted to play in England so coming over for a few months with my family was perfect."

He is no Shoaib, as he points out himself, nor does he aim to be (but come the end of the season no doubt the number of County scalps that he has will meet or exceed any targets Shoaib may have had). Yet Paul Reiffel seems to be made for County cricket and it is a surprise that he has not experienced an English summer before. "The English conditions have suited me well in the past. I can't really comment on County pitches yet, but the weather can help seam bowlers like me. Test pitches have always been pretty good but I'm certainly not going to complain if County pitches make batting for four days difficult."

So what of the Nottinghamshire team that he has come into? "Confidence is high with the team - the Outlaws are having a great season. We were disappointing against Middlesex in the Nat West but we have a young and talented squad so we should do well. I'm looking forward to playing my part in achieving some success for the Club."

Paul Franks is part of the group of talented young English cricketers, along with the likes of Solanki, Trescothick, Read and Flintoff, who have progressed through the England ranks, from Under 19, England A Tours and now the One Day International side.

"It's obviously been a long-term career goal to represent England," Franks explained. "After a good England A tour this winter I was hopeful for a call to the full England side. I knew a few people had been looking at me this season so there was rumour and speculation. It was still a surprise to be phoned at home by David Graveney and all I could say was 'magnificent' rather than any of the things that I thought later I should have said."

Franks first attracted the attention of Nasser Hussain three years ago when as an 18 year old he sent down some fiery deliveries and even more fiery words at the England captain. "I've grown up a lot since then I've learnt to control myself better," Franks said.

So what of the forthcoming triangular tournament? "We'll have to wait and see if I play in the first game. Looking around and learning from the other players is an important part of being in the squad." Not that Franks is intimidated by the prospects of bowling to the cream of the West Indies. "I've bowled to the likes of Lara and Hooper before in County cricket and it's all about raising your game. In International cricket this will be the case all the time. Nothing is given and patience will be required."

The loss of Shoaib was undoubtedly a blow for Notts, but if Franks and can continue to help the Notts Outlaws win in the National League Division 2, come the end of the season the members will have few complaints.