Jack Brooks opened the bowling when Northamptonshire got their LV County Championship Division 2 season under way at Leicestershire’s Grace Road ground.

The Oxfordshire seamer has earned his chance after impressing in pre-season and says he is already bowling much better than last year.

“I have had a really good pre-season, taken a few wickets and bowled at a pretty good pace,” said Brooks.

“Hopefully, I will be in the first team even when the overseas player (Elton Chigumbura) comes in.

“I wintered well in Australia and have got myself bigger and stronger.

“I am looking to be among the wickets.”

This week Brooks has taken 3-33 in 22 overs against Oxford MCCU in The Parks and another two wickets in a rain-affected 35-over friendly clash with Lancashire.

Northants have four LV Championship matches during April, so ex-Tiddington and Oxford player Brooks could see plenty of action.

He added: “I have done some hard-core fitness stuff after Christmas.

“I am a lot stronger than I was, so am better able to sustain my pace.

“I am a lot better bowler than I was last season already.

“If I stay fit, then I hope I will stay in the team.”