Ben Duckett and Adam Rossington took full advantage of two innings apiece as Northamptonshire tackled Nottinghamshire in a two-day practice match in Barbados.

Duckett (23 and 34 not out) and Rossington (38 and 34 not out) boosted the County to 225 all out on the opening day.

Notts responded with 82 for one at the close – Ben Sanderson removing Steven Mullaney for 15 before Michael Lumb (48 not out) settled in.

The format agreed between the two sides allowed flexibility to get ‘the batters batting and the bowlers bowling’ in the build-up to the new season at home.

David Murphy missed out twice – trapped leg-before both times – but there were also promising knocks from Saif Zaib, who hit four boundaries in his 23, and Steven Crook (20).

“We batted positively on a slow pitch and outfield,” commented coach Phil Rowe.

“Although it was disappointing that no-one grasped the opportunity to spend a full session at the crease.  We ‘recycled’ our batters so a few had a chance to go in twice in our ten dismissals.

“When we bowled our 30 overs back at the end of the day I thought our seamers were excellent – Azharullah, Sanderson and Gleeson all extracted some movement from a docile pitch and caused the batsmen problems.

“Rob Keogh – playing his first match of the tour – also got some useful overs under his belt as he continues his return to match fitness,” Rowe added.

The match will finish on Saturday before the Northamptonshire squad fly home the following day.