Like most of his team-mates Chris Read was anticipating a few days on the continent when he saw the draw for this season’s Yorkshire Bank 40 competition.
“We saw we were playing the Netherlands and assumed we’d be off to Amsterdam for a few days,” said the Notts Outlaws captain.
“But a week or so later we were told the match was being played in Truro. Most of the guys were a little surprised but are now looking forward to it very much.”
Read was brought up over the border in Devon so has an idea of what this week might entail.
“I know what it’s like playing cricket in Cornwall. Everyone is very passionate about the game in that part of the world so we’re really looking forward to being a part of the Cornish Cricket Festival.
“There was always a traditional hard-fought rivalry between Devon and Cornwall but there is also a bonding partnership between the two counties because we’re all part of the south west together.
“I’m honestly not sure if I ever played at Truro. I can’t remember doing so but I’d be surprised if I haven’t played there at some point in my youth.
“I’ll probably get down to the ground the day before and realise ‘oh yes, I’ve played here a number of times before’ but off the top of my head I can’t remember doing so but if I did it would have been a long time ago.”
Given his heritage, the 34-year-old is looking to catch up with a few familiar faces this week.
“I would imagine my parents will pop down from Devon and I imagine and hope that it will be a very well-supported event and will attract people from all over the south west.”
Nevertheless, Read is keen to emphasise that this will be a business trip for him and the rest of the Notts squad.
“Ultimately this is another cricket match for us to try and win and get two points from, that’s how we’ll be viewing it - but if the weather’s kind to us it’ll be a nice place to go and somewhere different from the usual grounds we play at.
“The Netherlands surprised a lot of people last year with the performances they put in - and the wins they managed to generate in their group - so we certainly won’t be taking them lightly.”
Notts came up against one of their former players recently, when they defeated Kent Spitfires at home and Read remembers how fondly Charlie Shreck used to talk about his hometown during his Trent Bridge days.
“Charlie is very proud of his Truro heritage and proud to be a Cornishman and obviously there was always a bit of banter in the dressing room between us over the years about the Devon and Cornwall rivalry. I’m sure he would have relished the opportunity of being part of this festival.”
The Notts wicketkeeper has collected a couple of county championship titles in his career and played for England in Tests, One-Day and T20 Internationals but still has a yearning to lead his side out in a domestic final.
“I’ve been playing this game for a good number of years now and I’ve never been to Lord’s for a white-ball final.
“It would be a lovely thing to experience - but even though we’ve made a decent start in the group that is still a long way off and for now we’re focussing only on the next match.