Ahead of back-to-back NatWest T20 Blast matches at the weekend, Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell has welcomed the chance to pick from a full squad following the return of Alex Hales from England duty.

The Outlaws opener played a crucial part in England's 3-2 Royal London One-Day International Series win over New Zealand, forming an aggressive and productive opening partnership with Jason Roy.

Having scored two fifties against the Black Caps and consistently getting his country off to rapid starts, Newell is hopeful Hales can take that form in to the weekend’s fixtures.

“He’s had a terrific fortnight. It’s really pleasing that he was given every game in the series and he took the opportunity,” Newell said.

“He played all the shots that we’ve got so used to seeing him play at Trent Bridge and he’s established himself as part of what’s going to be a very exciting team.

“We are proud of him. We’re proud of anyone that steps up to international cricket and plays well.

“It was pleasing to see him really grasp his opportunity to play in the same free and positive manner that he’s played for us in limited-overs cricket for a number of years.

“The Hales and Roy combination was deliberately picked as two aggressive top-order players who will really go for it early in the innings when the powerplay is on.

“They complement each other pretty well in that respect and they’ve both come out of the series better players who are stronger for the experience.”

The Outlaws face a trip to bottom-placed Derbyshire Falcons on Friday before returning to Trent Bridge on Saturday to host Northamptonshire Steelbacks.

And Newell believes the return of Hales will be crucial to their chances of taking victories from the fixtures.

“It’s an important weekend and it’s great to have him back,” he said.

“There’s no doubt that we’ve missed Alex in the games when he hasn’t been available.

“If he’s playing well he sets a huge starting point for us to do well in T20 cricket, and that’s absolutely crucial.

“He and Michael Lumb will open the batting; what it’s about now is finding the right formula beneath that.

“We’ve had to change the team for virtually every match through availability of England internationals, Alex going to the IPL, injuries and new overseas players.

“I don’t think we’ve put the same team out two games in a row, and we won’t be putting the same team out on Friday as played against Yorkshire.

“We’ve got everybody fit and available to play. It’s important that we get the right combinations into the eleven that plays because the games are vitally important.

“With less than 50 percent wins, we know these games are vital for us.”

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

v Northants Steelbacks – Saturday 27 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
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.