Notts all-rounder Mark Ealham has paid tribute to Essex batsman Graham Napier who surpassed his longstanding Twenty20 six-hitting record in his side’s win over Sussex on Tuesday.

Napier hit 16 sixes and 10 fours on his way to a competition record of 152 from 58 balls, six runs short of Brendan McCullum’s world record of 158 in the Indian Premier League.

“Graham has always been an excellent striker of the ball and he has absolutely obliterated my record,” said Ealham.

“He was clearing the boundary by a long way and it was a very special knock.

“There’s a long way to go and consistency is the key but innings like that put players on the map and he won’t have done himself any harm in terms of England selection.”

Ealham hit nine sixes to set up victory for Notts against Yorkshire in 2004, a feat which he would love to repeat in Friday’s crucial clash at Trent Bridge (play commences 5:30pm).

“We have to turn around a losing streak that has disappointed everyone in the squad but we had a good record in the opening fixtures and we’re still in contention to make it through to the quarter-finals,” said Ealham.

“We would have preferred to have secured qualification earlier in the week but everything is riding on this game and we need the crowd to get behind us.”

Tickets are available on the day priced £15 for adults, £15 for senior citizens, £8 for juniors and £38 for families (two adults and two children).

Play commences at 5:40pm.