Lockie Ferguson is looking to follow the West Indies’ blueprint for bowling success at Trent Bridge when New Zealand face India on Thursday.

In two games in Nottingham, the Caribbean outfit reduced Pakistan and Australia to 45-3 and 38-4 respectively inside their opening ten overs, with fast, aggressive bowling forming the cornerstone of their approach.

And the 27-year-old feels his side are well-placed to replicate these tactics.

“The games here so far in the tournament have been interesting,” said Ferguson.

“The West Indies showed that there is extra bounce here that can cause trouble.

“India are an exceptional side with some world-class players, so we’ll be working on our strategies to put them under pressure, especially at grounds like Trent Bridge where there’s a high scoring rate.

“We’ve gone out and got early wickets in the first few games, and it puts pressure back on the batting line-up, so that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”

Ferguson was asked in the pre-game press conference whether bowlers ‘wake up in a cold sweat’ at the prospect of bowling at Trent Bridge, but the paceman has already proved his worth on the ground.

The right-armer was the standout bowler for Derbyshire in a nine-run defeat in last year’s Vitality Blast, taking 2-15 from four overs.

And he is feeling confident ahead of renewing his acquaintances with the ground.

“It’s known as a high-scoring ground, but in a way that puts the pressure onto the batters more than the bowlers,” he said.

“I really like Trent Bridge as a ground, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Ferguson combined well with Jimmy Neesham in New Zealand’s seven-wicket win over Afghanistan, the pair recording combined figures of 9-68.

Neesham was named man-of-the-match for his haul of 5-31, and Ferguson was fulsome in his praise for his fellow countryman.

“Jimmy bowled the way we know he can,” he said.

“He can bowl quick and bowl those bouncers too.

“We’re playing good cricket, and it’s exciting to be playing at Trent Bridge where there has been a bit of bounce. Hopefully that will work in our favour.”

*******

A Notts Outlaws squad brimming with international talent will commence their T20 Vitality Blast campaign against Worcestershire Rapids at Trent Bridge on Thursday 18 July, with adult tickets priced at £10. Secure your seats…