The Notts Outlaws returned to winning ways over the weekend with a 25-run victory over Yorkshire Vikings, which saw Nottinghamshire return to the top of the Friends Life t20 North Group.
Director of Cricket Mick Newell was keen not to understate the importance of his side’s return to winning ways after losses in both red and white ball cricket over the past two weeks.
“We needed to avoid losing three games on the bounce,” he said.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks with regard to our results, and the win at Yorkshire was hugely important.
“We needed to establish ourselves at the top of the group once more, if we had lost we would have been right back in the mix.”
The Notts Outlaws looked in trouble with the Yorkshire reply at 75-1, but two excellent four-over spells from Samit Patel (2-19) and Graeme White (2-18) ensured that the visitors left Headingley with a win.
“We’ve seen over the past couple of weeks that spin bowling has been far more influential on wickets that have been used,” said Newell.
“Both Samit and Graeme White bowled very well, restricting the Yorkshire reply nicely.
“In cases like this, spin bowlers are as hard to score off as your quicks, and their influence will continue to be seen in our upcoming fixtures.”
Trent Bridge will host the Notts Outlaws’ latest FLt20 fixture, the return of local rivals Derbyshire Falcons to Nottingham. If the Outlaws complete the double over the Falcons, it puts them well on the way to achieving a home quarter final.
“I’ve always kept targets as to points required for us to get to the quarter finals,” said Newell.
“If we beat Derbyshire we’re almost there,
“I’d like the players to keep targets of their mind, so that they can concentrate on continuing to win cricket matches.”
The Outlaws’ last fixture at Trent Bridge was played out in front of a crowd in excess of 9,500 and Newell said that the extra backing given to the players by the increased numbers could only help the team’s progress.
“Winning matches at home is huge for us,” he said.
“There’s always a lot of talk about how sides get a boost from the crowd, and on a busy evening at Trent Bridge, with 95% of those in the ground supporting you, there’s a significant influence.”
Shortly before the start of play against the Falcons, all eyes will be on captain David Hussey and the toss. With every one that the Australian has won, Notts have chased and sealed victory, with results harder to find when put into bat first.
“It’s important that the result of the toss isn’t important to our performances,” said Newell.
“Little things like this can prey on your mind, and by winning after losing the toss we’ve put that to bed and can continue moving forward and working to achieve the home quarter final that we want.”
Notts Outlaws squad to face Derbyshire Falcons (from): Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, Samit Patel, James Taylor, David Hussey, Chris Read, Steven Mullaney, Graeme White, Ian Butler, Ajmal Shahzad, Harry Gurney, Jake Ball, Sam Wood
Click here to purchase tickets for Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge.
Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge
Tuesday 23 July Vs Derbyshire Falcons - 6.30pm TICKETS
Friday 26 July Vs Yorkshire Vikings - 6pm TICKETS
Sunday 28 July Vs Lancashire Lightning - 2.40pm TICKETS
Buy In Advance & Save:
Adult tickets £13 / Under 16s and Over 65s £7 / Family ticket (2+2) £33
On the day prices:
Adult tickets £16 / Under 16s / Over 65s £16 / Family ticket (2+2) £40
Enjoy Friends Life t20 hospitality at Trent Bridge for £84 per person
Your package will include:
- Use of a private suite in the Radcliffe Road Stand with a balcony overlooking the field of play
- Nibbles served on arrival
- Hot main dish served in your suite 30 minutes before the start of play
- Cheese, biscuits and chutney during the interval
- Match scorecard
- Box host
- Car Parking 1:4
Steak, chips and cricket: click here to enjoy informal hospitality for just £25
Read our free Friends Life t20 Event Guide here.