IT IS NOT surprising that Lancashire all-rounder Francois du Plessis was nervous when he reported to Old Trafford in April.

Not only was the 24-year-old South African about to make his debut in English first-class cricket, he was the first Kolpak signing at a county which had prided itself on giving opportunities to its own young players. Four months on, the nerves have been replaced with sheer enjoyment.

“It’s brilliant here at Lancashire,” said du Plessis, whose contributions in every department of the game have helped his county’s championship challenge. “Every time I bat I try to enjoy it as much as I can and I find it very easy to fit in and play my cricket where there is such a relaxed atmosphere.”

“Relaxed” is not perhaps the word some former Red Rose players might have chosen to describe the ambience around the Old Trafford dressing-room; the county has been renowned as one of the toughest on the circuit. But du Plessis has been so impressed with Lancashire – he was professional at Todmorden in 2007 – that he wants to return next summer “if one or two logistical things can be sorted out.”

Not that everything’s gone swimmingly. Du Plessis’ 92 not out against Bangladesh A at Alderley Edge last week was a joyous romp of an innings and his 77-ball 63 in the Pro40 game against Hamsphire on Sunday proved that he is in decent nick, but a batsman with four first-class fifties to his name this summer should have a top score higher than 58.

This point was made with characteristic clarity by Old Trafford skipper Stuart Law a few days ago and it’s one with which du Plessis heartily agrees. “If you get to 50 you should go on and get to a hundred. That’s what batters do,” he said. “It’s easy to get out between nought and 10 because you’re not “in”, but once you are, should go big.

“I’m a little frustrated about that part of my game, but if the weather gets better and the wickets are good, the aim is to get big hundreds.”