FORMER England batsman Nick Knight believes Notts can win the County Championship Division One title – and believes a second triumph in four seasons would be a mammoth achievement.

Back in April, the former Warwickshire opener backed Mick Newell's men for four-day glory in a Sky Sports cricket commentators' predictions chart.

And he sees no reason to change that opinion with his tip going well with just three rounds of matches left, the first of those seeing Notts hosts Somerset at Trent Bridge today (Wednesday).

"It is a really tight division this year and one win can take you up two or three places, but I've backed Notts all the way," said Knight.

"They have obviously had England selections to cope with, but with the Champions Trophy postponed until next year, they might get one or two players back for their last two games.

"They have a great mix of youth and experience and reliable performers in the likes of Ealham and Shreck who also give them an element of control.

"Pattinson has done exceptionally well. How he did in his one game for England isn't an issue because his performances for his county have been outstanding.

"Whenever I see them I always think they have a great atmosphere in the squad, they are a good bunch, and they work hard on their preparation, which bodes well."

Knight feels Notts will deserve all the plaudits they can get if they do pull off the title win. No fewer than five of their players have been involved for England this summer.

While the likes of Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and, at times, Graeme Swann have been expected absentees, the same cannot be said of Pattinson and Samit Patel.

Knight said: "Notts could plan for being without Sidebottom and Broad, but it does affect you when people who perhaps aren't expected to be called up are taken out of the side.

"It can disturb the balance of the team at an important point of the season. It's disappointing but at the same time, you're obviously delighted they're playing for England.

"It shows the depth of your squad if that happens and means you have to look at you younger players, which is a big chance for them.

"If you look at some of the teams who have won the County Championship, they have used the same 13 to 16 players. They are available all season, are familiar with each other and it tends to work.

"When you are forced to mix and match it puts extra pressure on you and makes it so much harder, so it would be a great effort from Notts to do it."

Knight knows that Notts' bid, or that of any of the other contenders, could be derailed by bad weather.

As the season moves into September, there is always the possibility of vital days being lost to rain.

"When every point is as crucial as it is, you can never say the weather will not have a say, because it is always a possibility. However good a team you are, you always need a little bit of luck over the course of the season, including with the elements."

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