Nottinghamshire all-rounder Paul Franks has backed the Outlaws to prosper in the back-to-back NatWest Blast T20 matches against Leicestershire and Derbyshire that he believes could determine their destiny in the group.

Franks knows the Trent Bridge setup better than most. A self-confessed ‘clubman’, he has served his side in all formats with 7185 first class runs and 524 first class wickets to his name.

Now leading the second eleven and working towards a coaching role, he is as much a fan of the team and the Cub as he is a player and mentor to younger colleagues.

“Those 48 hours on Thursday and Friday are effectively going to make or break our competition." 

His status at Trent Bridge is perhaps best surmised by the ‘General’ tag he incorporates in his twitter handle. Well respected by all, he has a keen-eye for the shape of the team and an acute understanding of what’s expected and required.

If Franks is The General, this week’s T20 double header against two local rivals is the closest Notts will get to a war. When discussing selection for the back to back fixtures, Franks uses a metaphor about food; after all an Army marches on it’s stomach.

“We’ve got a decent recipe but it isn’t quite mixed together properly yet,” said Franks.

“The bowling unit has been strong but the batting haven’t quite fired up yet.”

Fire is exactly what Franks is demanding of his kinsmen. Issuing a call to arms and emphasising the importance of timing, Paul Franks is in no doubt about the severity of The Outlaws current predicament.

“Those 48 hours on Thursday and Friday are effectively going to make or break our competition,” he said.

“We’ve got key international players in this team who are proven performers in this format and if they stand up then I believe we can have two positive results.”

Franks was a keen observer as Nottinghamshire wrapped up an impressive victory over Middlesex to go top of the LV= County Championship. Translation of form between formats is no easy task but confidence must be taken from the county’s status as the most prolific accumulators of batting bonus points in the competition.

“Our batting in the Championship has been really consistent but it’s just not quite happening in the T20 and there has been a lot of questions asked of the players,” he said.

“The team as a whole need to find away to make it happen. In any T20 game you’re looking for two or three guys to just step up and take the game by the scruff of the neck.”

Throwing the gauntlet down to his own men, Franks turns his eye to the issue of the opposition.  Starting with Leicestershire, Franks does not underestimate the power of home advantage.

“Grace Road a tough place to go,” he said.

“Leicestershire have a good T20 record and they’ll be hungry for it.”

Equally, the local rivalry of Friday’s billing against Derbyshire could add the extra pressure Notts’ need to clinch their second victory against their near neighbours.

“The atmosphere will be great at Trent Bridge on Friday,” he said.

“The local rivalry tends to stimulate the lads a bit more and there’s a little bit more angst in the game. It seemed to work in our favour when we went there two weeks ago and I know we won’t want to lose to them here.”

So with the battle lines drawn and the General’s orders given, will The Outlaws march to consecutive victories this week?

Listening to Paul Franks’ rallying cry it’s unlikely they’ll have a choice; playing for pride, points and position in the north group. 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast fixture and ticket information:

v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 20 June 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Yorkshire Vikings – Saturday 28 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes – Sunday 20 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS

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