With another bumper crowd expected for the arrival of Lancashire Lightning on Saturday, Samit Patel says packed houses at Trent Bridge are the reason he plays the game. 

Play gets underway at 2.30pm against the reigning champions and Patel, who starred with 3-14 in the recent defeat on the road against the Durham Jets, can’t wait to perform before his home faithful again.

“I love playing in front of big crowds,” he said.

“That’s why I play the game, I turn out for the fans and the atmosphere they create is what I thrive off.

“I want to be the man who hits the winning runs or takes the last wicket in those big situations.”

Defeat against Durham was the Outlaws’ second on the bounce at the start of the tournament, and Patel believes executing important skills at crucial times is the key to turning their fortunes around. 

“We are a dangerous team but we have to be a lot more consistent,” he said.

“I think it is about going back to basic as a side, doing the things we know we can do and have done well in past competitions.

“Hitting our yorkers and hitting sixes at the right time, those are the skills we need to be executing.”

The Lightning will arrive at Trent Bridge having added firepower to their title-winning squad, with New Zealand international Martin Guptill and England’s Jos Buttler both likely to feature.

Left-arm spinner Patel, who has four wickets at an average on 9.75 in the two games so far, knows that the Outlaws are in for a tough challenge - but remains confident of kickstarting the campaign with a win.

“Lancashire will come hard at us,” he said. “They are champions for a reason and that’s because they have a strong team with a lot of experience and good T20 cricketers. 

“But we have a good record against them at Trent Bridge and hopefully we can put on a show for the crowd on Saturday.

“We have to be up for it and confident. I think timing is a big thing and getting back on the horse with a win on Saturday is very important.

“That will let us kick on into the Royal London One Day Cup on Monday, and we have to back our abilities to get back on that winning run.

“We have a strong squad and there is no reason why we can’t go well in all competitions.”

 

Notts Outlaws squad to face Durham Jets (from): Dan Christian (c), Jake Ball, Matt Carter, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels and Sam Wood.

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

Vs. Lancashire Lightning – Saturday 4 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 10 June 7.15pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Durham Jets – Friday 1 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Worcestershire Rapids – Saturday 9 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Season tickets include best value access to the remaining six group stage home fixtures and a rain guarantee.

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