Read up for triple challenge

Chris Read's batting is a big plus point © Getty Images

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Wicketkeeper Chris Read is relishing the prospect of leading Nottinghamshire during 2008 but he knows he has a hard act to follow - that of former New Zealand Test captain Stephen Fleming.

Fleming made a huge impression during three years at the helm for Notts but Read is convinced he can combine wicketkeeping and batting duties with captaining the side.

Read told ECBtv: "It is something I have been looking forward to all winter - well since Stephen Fleming indicated that he would not be coming back to the club. We have started pretty well and had a good win against Kent last week and I am now relishing the challenge.

“It really remains to be seen if it (the captaincy) affects my cricket - I have had a go before in Twenty20 cricket but it does give you a different focus and you have to look after the other ten players on the park. I would like to think I would work out ways to prevent it affecting my game.

“We have got a good bunch of guys down here with a good blend of youth and experience. I have got a lot of senior guys to help and direct me."

Read recognises that his workload will be huge during 2008 but in many ways a wicketkeeper is in the ideal position to direct his side.

He continued: “I think there is an added load there but as a ‘keeper you are in a prime spot to see what is going on but having Jason Gallian and Stephen Fleming beside me in previous seasons has helped.

“I have learnt a lot from Stephen Fleming and during his three years here it was great to learn from him and I have had an insight into one of the finest Test captains there has been."

England seamer Stuart Broad has joined Notts this season but it remains to be seen how much he will be available for the county due to international calls.

“It was the first time I had kept to him recently for a long time and he looks a serious bowler and it looks like we will miss him (through England duty) and I think ‘Siddy’ (Ryan Sidebottom) will definitely be missing - he will be one of first names on England’s teamsheet I would imagine,” Read stated.

“We have contingency plans for missing those two and we have signed Darren Pattinson and Luke Fletcher and I think Charlie Shreck cannot be too far off an England call as well.”