Notts Outlaws captain Dan Christian has praised the dressing room spirit at Trent Bridge as he prepares for Thursday’s quarter-final against Middlesex.

Christian last lifted the Vitality Blast trophy in 2017 and hopes victory in Thursday’s fixture can further galvanise a dressing room that he believes is motivated to atone for a disappointing campaign in the Specsavers County Championship.

“I had an eye on the results in the Championship and came into Trent Bridge knowing a positive dressing room would be vital if we were going to make an impact,” he said.

“There’s no divide here, no blame culture and nobody calling for things to be ripped up and remixed.

“In fact, I’d go as far as saying that there’s a motivation to get to Finals Day to prove that this team does care, is packed with ability and is extremely well coached.”

Christian now plies his trade as a white-ball specialist having played 83 matches during his 11-year First-Class career and won three consecutive Sheffield Shields with Victoria in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

He believes a successful Blast campaign can provide a springboard for future all-format success.

“I see a relatively young squad and a strong coaching group that I believe can win a trophy this season and get back to being a force in all three formats in 2020,” said the former Australian international.

“Tough times don’t tend to last for very long when you have that mix and the people needed to build long-term success are already here.

“For now, we’re putting all our focus into taking on Middlesex on Thursday.

“To see us qualify for finals-day would be fitting reward for all those who have come out in support during the course of the competition. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

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Notts Outlaws will face Middlesex in the quarter-final of the Vitality Blast at Trent Bridge on Thursday 5 September with a 7pm start. Secure your seats...