Peter Moores says his side’s frame of mind will be crucial as Notts Outlaws bid to claim their second T20 title in three years at Vitality Blast Finals Day.
The Outlaws have maintained their long-term consistency in the game’s shortest form this season, reaching the T20 knockout stages for the ninth time in ten years.
It is an achievement which the Head Coach believes stands his squad in good stead for another high-pressure day.
“We’ve been a successful white-ball side for a few years, so a lot of the lads have been involved in a lot of knockout cricket, when it’s all on the line in that one game,” said Moores.
“Going to finals day two years ago (when the Outlaws won their first T20 title) was an important experience, as it was for the guys that were part of the side in 2016 as well (when Notts reached the semi-final).
“It will be down to our players being in the right frame of mind on the day – being committed, relaxed and focussed.”
The Outlaws’ most recent T20 outing was at Trent Bridge, where a dominant ten-wicket win saw off Middlesex in the quarter finals.
It was a performance which backed up captain Dan Christian’s assertion that peaking at the right time is key to success in the Blast.
“It was pretty much a perfect game,” said Moores.
“We bowled and fielded really well to set up the win, and the way Alex Hales and Chris Nash played was fantastic.
“One of the things we’ve been able to do in white-ball cricket while I’ve been here is get better as tournaments have gone on, and you have to do that to win.
“Someone like Alex has shown time and time again that he’s got that ability to raise his game when the big games come.
“Those sorts of players are really important when it comes to Finals Day, but all of our players have had a hand in getting us there.
“They’ve all had key roles to play at different times through the competition, and everyone will have the confidence that they could be man-of-the-match in a semi-final or a final.”
Saturday’s opening semi-final pits Notts against defending champions Worcestershire Rapids, who triumphed by 28 runs in the Outlaws’ opening encounter of the season.
And Moores is expecting a stiff test from the West Midlands outfit.
“It was a really competitive game in the group stages,” he said.
“Ed Barnard had one of those days – he batted and bowled really well, and we made a few mistakes.
“We know we’ll have to perform, but it should be a really good game on a new pitch in good weather.”
A healthy contingent of Outlaws fans will be travelling to Edgbaston to cheer on the green and golds, and Moores is keen to send them back to Nottingham with memories of another trophy triumph.
“Our fans have been great again this year, even when we’ve had some frustrating times in red-ball cricket,” he said.
“To be able to put in a performance and win a trophy for the club and everybody associated with the club would be great.
“Winning trophies is great recognition for the players, and it creates memories for people who either go along on the day or follow it from home.
“We’ll do our best to represent the club well and hopefully come out on top.”
Notts Outlaws squad (from): Jake Ball, Matt Carter, Dan Christian (c), Joe Clarke, Paul Coughlin, Ben Duckett, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Jake Libby, Tom Moores, Steven Mullaney, Chris Nash, Samit Patel, Luke Wood.
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