Read has never captained Nottinghamshire before (Getty)

New Nottinghamshire captain Chris Read believes his step-up to replace former skipper Stephen Fleming has gone as smoothly as possible.

Read leads his side for the first time when they open the County Championship season at Kent on Wednesday.

But he told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It was probably about 10 months ago that it was suggested I might take over.

"It gave me a chance to quiz him and absorb a lot from him. We worked hand in hand which was great experience."

Former New Zealand captain Fleming, who led Notts for three years, is now playing in the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings.

Read added: "I could almost act like a sponge and question why we were doing things, especially with him at first slip as well which always helped.

"He would come to me quite a lot and ask my opinion on things as a senior player.

"It was a great learning curve for me and I am sure it will be a source of help for years to come."