Dillon Pennington feels he benefited on and off the field from Notts' trip to Abu Dhabi, ahead of the seamer's first chance to wear the green and gold on home turf against Cardiff UCCE.

Pennington is part of a 12-strong squad who will compete in the three-day fixture (27-29 March, 11am start), having endeared himself to teammates with impressive performances on the club's pre-season tour. 

“Abu Dhabi was really good, it was nice to get in warm weather and be on grass again,” he Pennington. 

“It was a great way to bond with the lads as well because, naturally, you spend a lot of time with them. I went for dinner with different people and spent time getting to know everyone away from the indoor school, which was helpful.”

Pennington revelled in the opportunity to face First-Class Counties too and, stepping out with his grass-attuned legs firmly established, he is raring to go on closer shores.  

“It was really valuable to play against opposition and play in different scenarios. It gets your head in the right spot. I was also bowling a number of spells in the two-day game which was  helpful. That gets you ready for sure," he said.

“I’ve obviously played at Trent Bridge a few times but to do so as a Notts player is something I’ve been looking forward to since I joined. 

“It’s a great place to call home and it will be brilliant to be stepping foot on grass having been inside for a little while”

The 25-year-old joined Nottinghamshire in the winter with an impressive record already under his belt.

The 6'2 right-armer has 119 First-Class wickets to his name, in addition to 52 in the T20 format. 

He arrives at what he believes is an exciting time at Trent Bridge, with transition providing fertile grounds for growth. 

“There is a transition in place and we’re at that point in the year where we can’t wait to get started,” he said. 

“The group is in a really good place - we’ve worked hard all winter, we’ve got a new captain and there is a fresh feel about the place.”

Nottinghamshire squad: Joe Clarke, Haseeb Hameed (C), Calvin Harrison, Jack Haynes, Brett Hutton, Lyndon James, Tom Loten, Matthew Montgomery, Tom Moores, Liam Patterson-White, Dillon Pennington, Ben Slater.

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