Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel has celebrated the backing from the club’s membership and insisted that their support is vital in the Outlaws’ quest to reach the NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day.

“We thrive from the support we get at Trent Bridge week in, week out," he said.

"It really drives us to perform for those people cheering us on. The more people there are, the better we play.

“It’s vital that we see members turn out and back us on big nights like this one.

The Outlaws will line up against some familiar faces with Durham’s arrival, this week’s LV= County Championship opponents returning to Trent Bridge only two days after the four-day match was washed out.

“We’ve seen that they have some very strong players in their side,” said Patel.

“Ben Stokes, Gordon Muchall and Paul Collingwood all showed us what they’re capable of.

“Add to that the likes of Mark Wood, and the possibility of Graham Onions returning, and it’ll certainly be challenging.

“Facing Durham in T20 cricket will be vastly different to our experience in the County Championship this week.

“The rain has hampered our progress a little, but it has meant we have a chance to work on our individual games, practice specific scenarios and fine tune specific aspects to make sure we perform.”

After their disappointing defeat to Worcestershire Rapids last week, Patel is eyeing a response, led by limited-overs captain James Taylor.

“There haven’t been too many changes,” he said.

“He has asked us to be tireless and give 100% in the field, it’s about high energy and commitment.

We have good methods and plans in place for Twenty20 matches, and it’s about sticking to them and making sure we can get a result.”

The Outlaws will be boosted by the return of Alex Hales to Trent Bridge, after being called up as emergency cover to the England squad, who are in the midst of their Royal London ODI series against Sri Lanka. Captain Alastair Cook missed the second ODI through injury, but his return to fitness has seen Hales become available for selection for the Outlaws.

Having Alex back is fantastic news, he’s an excellent player,” said Patel.

“He’s the number two T20 batsman in the world for a reason, and he’ll be hugely important for us.”

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast fixture and ticket information:

v Durham Jets – Friday 30 May 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Birmingham Bears – Friday 13 June 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 20 June 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Yorkshire Vikings – Saturday 28 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes – Sunday 20 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Want the best seats in the house? Call 0844 8118712 for hospitality or click here for our £30 steak, chips and cricket package.