Nottinghamshire’s newest overseas recruit Ben Hilfenhaus is urging his new teammates to remember their recent positive results when they take the field against Worcestershire Royals on Sunday.

Hilfenhaus, who is likely to make his first appearance in the game at New Road, watched from the dugout as the Outlaws slipped to a six wicket defeat against Leicestershire Foxes at Trent Bridge.

But the 32-year-old prefers to focus on the week's previous victories over Durham Jets in NatWest T20 Blast and Sussex in the LV= County Championship, and he's hoping to use his experience to assist the development of Nottinghamshire's young crop of bowlers.

“I’ve been looking at results on the internet and there have been a couple of bad results but they managed to turn it round against Sussex. Hopefully we can get on a role and build on that,” he said.

“There are a couple of very nice bowlers that get a bit of shape out there, so – as well as doing what I do out there – I’m pretty keen to give my views and experience to them and hopefully improve them as cricketers too.

“Since the end of the season I had a couple of weeks off before heading over to India for the IPL, basically as a backup player but I was able to work with Shane Bond over there.

“His was another brain I could pick and it was great to get his experience and views on what he sees in me. I found that very beneficial and there are a couple of things from him I’m working on at the moment.

“I’m looking forward to getting out in the middle and putting them into place.”

Unlike most overseas signings for the English domestic season, which come and go at different parts of the year, Hilfenhaus will be calling Trent Bridge for the next four months.

The 32-year-old knows it's going to be punishing on the body, but the physical challenge of county cricket is something he expects to relish.

“I got approached and was very keen but was unsure about what was happening with the IPL so I couldn’t commit to a full season,” he said.

“However, I’m able to commit for the last four months and I’m very excited about it.

"It’s a new environment, I’m keen to see what county cricket is about and try to experience some of the challenges that come with that.

“From all reports it’s quite demanding, especially on fast bowlers so I’m looking forward to that challenge and to being part of it.

“The way the scheduling is, when I was in the mix for Australia, your season never really ended.

“At the moment I’ve actually got an off season so it’s the perfect opportunity for me to do something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I might regret not doing it sooner, but that’s the way it is and I’m very keen to get out there and experience it.

“I’ve had little bits here and there but couldn’t follow through with anything because of the Australian summer leading into potential Test stuff and in the past I’ve been in a position where my body needed a break and I’ve respected that.

“Right now I’m fit and well and this is the right time for me.

“I’m hoping it’s going to swing for me, but you can’t take anything for granted. You’ve got to do everything you can, work hard and put the ball in the right area.

“That will be my focus – doing everything I can to make sure I put the ball in the right area as often as I can.

“I’m sure the boys will give me some tips and direction on the best ways to approach playing on this wicket.”

 

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