Stuart Broad played an energetic part for Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge today - despite being re-routed from the third Test amid rumblings that he needed a rest.

Broad's omission from the England team to face South Africa across country at Edgbaston came after reports that it is thought he may benefit from some recovery time.

But he proved differently in word and deed with three for 47 as he and his fellow seamer Charlie Shreck (four for 69) bowled Durham out for 266 on day one of their top-of-the-table LV Division One match.

"I've certainly never come out and said I needed a rest," said the 22-year-old, after the hosts had replied with six for none in three overs to stumps.

"I don't really know where those rumours started; I'm looking forward to bowling each time."

Broad acknowledges there is a sensible balance to be struck with rest time - but once leaders Nottinghamshire made it clear they wanted him back, he was happy to make the morning drive from Birmingham.

"It is important to manage it," he concedes.

"But I had four or five days off last week - and I was very excited about playing again.

"It's a wonderful place to play. Notts are top of the championship - what more motivation could you need?"

Broad, whose wickets included that of Durham's top scorer Will Smith (85), acknowledges that it will be hard for him to reclaim his place in time for the final Test at The Oval next week.

"Probably my only way back for the next Test is through injury, so I have to keep myself fit and bowling well," he reasons.

"It's one of the hardest things you have to do to drive away from a Test match when you're not in the side, after being picked in the squad.

"But it's going to happen to you in sport, and you've just got to get on with it."

He did not find it difficult to retrain his sights, from England's attempt to fight their way back into the Test series to Nottinghamshire's title challenge.

"As soon as I sat in my car, my focus switched here to Trent Bridge," he said.

"It's just important for me now to come and get wickets here today, and for the next couple of weeks.

"I don't feel I've been bowling particularly badly. But it's nice to come back here and get the confidence back by taking wickets.

"It's not long now to the one-day series against South Africa. That is certainly an aim of mine to get in the side for that."

As for the match situation against Durham, Broad is encouraged.

"Losing the toss on what was a pretty low, slow wicket - to bowl them out for 260, the lads are delighted," he reported.

"Charlie Shreck bowled fantastically once again to pick up four wickets, and we hope we can back it up tomorrow and make sure we bat most of the day and get a lead."

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