Nottinghamshire are back in four day action with the visit of Worcestershire to Trent Bridge on Monday, and Luke Fletcher hopes he’s done enough to earn a recall to the team.
The 26-year-old has been named in Mick Newell’s 14-man squad ahead of the fixture following an impressive performance of six wickets for 79 on loan with Surrey against Derbyshire.
And Nottingham born Fletcher admits that - if he does get back in the team and manages to take some wickets - he might just get carried away with his celebrations.
“Something I’ve always done for Notts is play red ball cricket so to find myself out of the team was disappointing,” he said.
“But I’ve been away with Surrey and found a bit of form with the red ball, so we’ll see what happens regarding the final selection.
“I picked up a few wickets last week against Derbyshire - hopefully I can take that into Nottinghamshire’s four day team.
“That game at Derby was the best I’ve bowled for sometime. It’s the first four day game I’ve completed this year after getting injured in one game and one being rain affected.
“I got two innings with the ball, got around 30 overs under my belt and found a bit of rhythm.
“I’ve been away and found a bit of form so hopefully I’ll get the chance on Monday and can make a big impression.
“Surrey is a big club and they gave me an opportunity to play four day cricket, so I’m grateful to them.
“It was good to go and experience a different changing room and it’s paid its dividends by getting me back in the frame for Notts, so the loan system has been good.
“I can’t control my celebrations - they are a spur of the moment thing, but I won’t be running too far because I’d have to run back. I don’t want to tire myself out too much.”
Captain Chris Read is also set to return to the Nottinghamshire side having missed the previous three LV= County Championship matches through injury.
Brendan Taylor returns having been rested for the weekend’s NatWest T20 Blast double-header.
Jake Ball is named in the 14-man squad but is considered doubtful after hobbling out of Saturday’s white ball victory over Northamptonshire.
Off-spinner Matthew Carter, who completed match figures of 10-195 on debut against Somerset, is unavailable for selection due to a thigh injury.
Fletcher, meanwhile, who has played 69 first-class matches for the county of his birth and taken 211 wickets at average of 29, admits to harbouring ambitions of taking the new ball against the visitors from the West Midlands.
He is, however, full of praise for two players rivalling him for the spot, 32-year-old former Australia international Ben Hilfenhaus, and 19-year-old left-armer Luke Wood, who has made a big impression with bat and ball during the early months of the season.
“Traditionally I bowl with the new ball, so hopefully I’ll get that," he said. "If not, I’ll slot into whatever role I’m told to.
“We’ve been lucky over the years to have some quality bowlers and Ben is certainly one of them.
“I watched him on TV in the Ashes for Australia, he’s a class bowler and to bowl alongside him would be a very good experience.
“Luke Wood’s performances, meanwhile, may have surprised people outside of the changing room, but not people within it,” Fletcher continued.
“He made his debut last year and I’m sure he was very close to playing other games too.
“He’s worked really hard over the winter and he’s getting the rewards now. He’s been brilliant this season and he’s a good prospect for the future as well.”
Nottinghamshire emerged victorious from their most recent four day encounter at Trent Bridge, only to follow it with defeats on the road against Somerset and Yorkshire - and Fletcher has highlighted the importance of returning to winning ways against the Pears.
“We’re bottom of the table, so it’s important that we try to get up that ladder as quickly as possible,” he said.
“It’s a big game against Worcestershire, who are also down there, so we’re looking to come out of that game with the majority of the points.
“I wouldn’t say we’re desperate at the minute, but we’re getting to the stage where we need wins - and it starts on Monday.”
Nottinghamshire squad to face Worcestershire (from): Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Brendan Taylor, James Taylor, Riki Wessels, Luke Wood.
Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information
v Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 3 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 10 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.