Samit Patel enjoyed scoring his second century of the Barbados pre-season tour and was happy to follow Mick Newell’s instructions to spend as much time as possible at the crease.
“It’s been pretty pleasing really to get some time in the middle,” he said. “It’s a massive season coming up so this pre season is obviously a crucial time for us all to find a bit of form.
“The conditions were good for batting, although it was a bit tricky this morning but luckily I got through it and cashed in.”
As with the Combined Campuses and Colleges match last week, Patel scored 105 before retiring but says it perhaps means a little more coming against a county attack this time.
“They’re a good team. Obviously you can’t take too much into it as it's pre-season bowling and guys need overs under their belts, so its just practice practice practice and I’m really looking forward to the season.”
And as the 30-year-old continues his preparations for the new season, in the back of his mind are ambitions to return to the international fold.
“I’d be lying if i didn’t have aspirations in that direction," he said.
“I’m not quite sure where we’re at with red ball cricket, but hopefully in the white ball format I’ll be there or thereabouts as always.
“Look, I’m not holding my breath. I’ll just play as well as I can for Notts, score as many runs, take as many wickets and see where we go.”
On the domestic front, meanwhile, Patel is excited at how Notts are shaping up for 2015.
“Will G (Gidman) and Greg Smith have settled in nicely," he said. "Obviously the overseas guys haven’t arrived yet so we’re looking forward to seeing them.
"We’re in a good place and the team spirit is pretty good."
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