Smith delighted with all-round contribution.

Smith's role played a crucial part in Lancashire's recovery on day three at Trent Bridge.

Lancashire all-rounder, Tom Smith, was elated at the end of third day at Trent Bridge, after his all-round display gave the visitors an escape route from what seemed like certain defeat.

His unbeaten 42 ensured that Lancashire would avoid the follow-on and an brilliant spell of bowling eanred him figures of of 5-53, including four wickets for just one run.

Smith said: “It was a great day for myself, but the team tomorrow has got a chance of winning a game of cricket so we have got our minds set on that, but before we can get into a position to win the game we have to save it and get the draw.”

The Liverpool-born all-rounder was supported well in his cause to avoid the follow on by fellow bowlers, Kabir Ali (5) and Simon Kerrign (11) as the visitors forced Nottinghamshire to bat again.

“The lads chipped in down the order, which was great. We had a chat last night and our main objective was to get past the follow-on and kick on from there. Kegs played beautifully, Kabs as well and Whitey chipped in so we got over the line.

“We went out with the ball and we knew we had to bowl them out to give ourselves a chance of winning the game.

“I started off as a batter but by bowling has kind of taken over a bit. I love batting and I have worked hard over the winter and making sure I do the right things.”

At 188-3, Nottinghamshire appeared to be cruising to an unassailable lead, but the loss of seven wickets for 32 runs came courtesy of Smith and James Anderson (2-53) as the Lancashire seamers tore through the Nottinghamshire line up.

“I tried to think positively. I was just trying to run in, hit the pitch and knock the top of off-stump and if I bowled those sorts of balls I knew I wasn’t going to go for many runs.

“My main objective was to just try and stem the flow of runs, because Notts started scoring pretty freely and we knew we had to try and get some wickets. Jimmy bowled really well from the other end and as a partnership we work well.”

Lancashire required 349 to win at the start of their second innings and were unfortunate to lose Luis Reece with a handful of deliveries left, leaving the rest of the batsmen with a tough task on the final day.

“Obviously it was unfortunate to lose Luis tonight. The pull shot is usually his strength so it is just one of those things. But tomorrow, we still think are chances are good. We have got a strong batting order, we bat deep and that first hour is going to be crucial.”

Smith believes that relegation is out of the question and the current Lancashire squad is one which will be challenging across the board in 2014.

“We are looking at the top of the table this year. We have got a really strong squad and we have still got Chappy and Hoggy to come in to this team.

“The competition for places is high, are squad is really strong and we are going to be pushing in all three competitions and hopefully get some trophies this year.”