With Notts Outlaws beginning their NatWest T20 Blast quest on Friday 20 May, all eyes are set on the fireworks – both literal and metaphorical – of the game’s shortest format.
We’ve prepared a special online issue covering every aspect of the NatWest T20 Blast – from interviews with Michael Lumb and Jake Ball looking ahead to the tournament, to opposition views from Rikki Clarke, Hamish Rutherford & former Outlaw Charlie Shreck, and an in-depth look at the Blast’s North Group.
Here are a few extracts from Online Covered…
T20? It’s A Family Affair.
Whether it’s the Outlaws against the Falcons or Foxes, or the Sydney Sixers against the Thunder in the Big Bash, Lumb is a veteran of the derby match. There’s still a twinkle in his eyes when being drawn on the occasions.
“There’s always a little bit of spice involved,” he says, with a wry smile.
“You go to Derby or Leicester, there’s generally a good atmosphere and you cop a bit of stick from the fans.
“When they come here, everyone wants to get one over the opposition, especially those local guys, so there’s a bit more needle and involvement.
“It’s all part of the fun and hopefully those games in particular put on a show for the fans.”
An Eye On The Opposition
“If I’m honest, Trent Bridge is up there as an away venue, occasions like this are what every cricketer wants.
“You get good crowds at Trent Bridge, and it’s two very good teams going head to head.”
The second visitors to Trent Bridge in 2016 are current reigning champions the Lancashire Lightning. Only one meeting took place between the two sides last summer, with the Outlaws winning a final ball thriller thanks to James Taylor’s trademark nerves of steel at Emirates Old Trafford….
Hear more from our opponents...
North Group team-by-team Preview
The Outlaws’ East Midlands rivals, Derbyshire’s trip to Trent Bridge in 2015 brought with it a record crowd for T20 matches at the home of Notts.
The rivalry speaks for itself and the Falcons will be able to call on a large range of talent across their squad.
One to watch: Hamish Rutherford
The Falcons will have a strong New Zealand contingent across 2016 with Rutherford joined in the ranks by middle-order batsman Neil Broom and all-rounder James Neesham. Rutherford impressed last year and the left-hander has both the ability to get his side moving and make telling contributions by batting through the innings.
Find out more about our opponents in the North Group…
The excitement of NatWest T20 Blast returns to Trent Bridge on Friday 20 May as Notts Outlaws face Birmingham Bears in the first of seven home matches in the competition.
Supporters can witness every minute of the action with a NatWest T20 Blast Season Ticket, priced at just £84 (adults), £63 (over 65s) or £203 (family 2+2), with Membership available to U16s at £26 and U21s for £36.
Make Trent Bridge a firm fixture for your Friday nights and secure your seats now.