IN the early weeks of the 2008 season, opener Will Jefferson's first-class career hit an all-time low.

The normally free-scoring batsman suddenly found the runs drying up and his County Championship batting average dipping into single figures.

Jefferson's luck would not change no matter what he tried, with cheap dismissal following cheap dismissal.

That led to the inevitable – an axeing from the first team and a spell in the seconds in front of one man and his dog.

But for Jefferson that was to prove the start of the path towards better times.

With less pressure and against inferior bowlers, the 28-year-old found solace – and the middle of the bat once more.

Jefferson's rehabilitation was further aided by Twenty20 cricket, where he struck 209 runs, second only to the stand-out player in that arena, Adam Voges.

And since then, the Derby-born batsman has pushed his four-day average up to a slightly more respectable figure, boosted by an excellent 80 in the draw with Sussex at Hove in August.

His form in Pro40 cricket has also been a source of some encouragement.

"A lack of scores early in the season affected my confidence, and time away in the seconds definitely helped," said Jefferson.

"I scored 140 and 80 playing for them and I immediately began to hit the ball better.

"I also never stopped working in the nets with Paul Johnson, and I backed myself to go out and play how I knew I could.

"Every time I have gone to the crease since I came back into the side I have felt I can score runs."

Jefferson, like his team-mates, has had to pick himself up after another setback on Sunday, when Notts lost the Pro40 title to Sussex with the last ball of the game.

But the former Essex player insists that has given the squad a renewed determination to repeat their County Championship victory of 2005, achieved before he arrived at Trent Bridge.

Jefferson said: "What happened on Sunday has knocked us back a bit but we have tried to move on because we know what is up for grabs.

"After what happened I am pleased we have another game more or less straight away.

"This is a totally different competition and we realise we still have a lot to play for.

"We have played good cricket in the Championship all summer and to see a reward for that would be brilliant.

"I think most of the guys would take it over winning the Pro40 – I know I would.

"This is the one you contest over six months, while other competitions come and go. This is the one we target, so there is huge motivation for us.

"We are a team playing with confidence, whatever side we put out, especially in the bowling and fielding departments.

"And in the last couple of weeks we have started batting better too."

Jefferson is well aware it will not be easy for Notts when they face Surrey at the Oval today.

While Surrey look relegation certainties, they gave Notts a scare at Trent Bridge before the hosts fought back to secure a draw.

"They have a lot of strong cricketers who have not necessarily come together as a team," said Jefferson.

"But they have a lot of experience and will be hurting from the fact they are likely to be relegated – any team in that situation would be.

"They will be wanting to bounce back and perform against us and I can remember when I was involved at Essex in similar circumstances, we always wanted to finish the season on a high."

Jefferson is relishing the prospect of facing paceman Shoaib Ahktar, nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express.

And while there are suggestions the Pakistan star is far from fully fit, the opener says Notts will be on their guard.

Jefferson said: "Shoaib has the kind of record in Test cricket that shows we need to be wary and respectful of him.

"He has genuine pace and will bowl in short, sharp spells, so it is a case of seeing him off.

"I faced him before a few years ago and he would have probably been quicker then than he perhaps is now.

"But I'm sure he can still produce quick balls. Facing bowlers who are quick, or move the ball or spin it, are what we train for every day, so I wouldn't say it is scary.

"Part of playing at the top of the order is testing yourself against some of the best bowlers in the country. It is exciting more than anything and a challenge to look forward to."