The Notts Outlaws bowling attack will not only be bolstered by Imran Tahir come Friday evening’s fixture against the Durham Jets - it will also include Stuart Broad MBE.

The Outlaws have won their last three completed matches in the Blast but, with Andre Russell having departed for the Caribbean Premier League, Newell will freshen up his side with two of the world’s leading bowlers.

Tahir, the South African leg-spinner, is the number three-ranked T20 bowler in the world. Broad, meanwhile, has been cricket’s most decorated man of the last 12 months having spent time at the top of the Test bowling rankings and starred in series wins over Australia & South Africa, as well as collecting both an Honorary Doctorate and an MBE.

The illustrious duo could go head to head with England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who made his injury comeback against Yorkshire on Friday, something Mick Newell believes will add further to the spectacle.

“It's a match up you want to see in domestic T20 cricket,” said the Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket.

“It's a rarity to have players of that quality available and it will make for an even more exciting game.” 

For Broad, performing well for the Outlaws could be a step back towards England selection in the white ball arena.

“Stuart's stated his ambition to play in the Champions Trophy next year and the World Cup in 2019,” said Newell.

“It's hard for him sometimes to find spaces in the schedule where he can play domestic cricket, to prove that he has still got the skills and desire in white ball cricket.

“He's got to seize these great opportunities when he can, because they come along quite rarely. 

“He did well for us when he played T20 last year, going for just 20 off his four overs.

“He's got to show people again and keep reminding them of what he can do.

“He's got very little to prove, but the game of T20 is moving forward at a fast pace.

“It's changing every year and I'm sure Stuart's keen to show he's got the skills for it.”

Newell, meanwhile, says Tahir will be thrown the ball with full license to attack.

“Things have changed with Andre leaving us after last Friday when we had another good win," he said.

“It's a new look, if you like, for the second half of the competition.

“Certainly having Imran gives us lots of wicket-taking bowlers in the middle of the innings.

“It's going to be something that's key for us because we’ve lost Andre's power hitting and bowling. We need to have those wicket-taking options to keep runs down on the other side. 

“If you've got the chance to have a leg-spinner in your team, whether domestic or international, you're going to take it.

“History tells you they take wickets and wickets are crucial in T20 cricket.

“We're delighted to have a player of his quality who's dominated in world and domestic tournaments.

“Having him come into our side gives us a great chance to take a further step forward.

“We've had three wins in a row now so this is hopefully another boost to give us a push towards the quarter finals.”

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

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

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.