Peter Moores has congratulated a trio of Nottinghamshire prospects on making the first-team squad for the visit of Warwickshire in the Specsavers County Championship.
Opening batsman Ben Compton, all-rounder Joey Evison and seamer Jack Blatherwick have all been included in the party for Notts’ final home game of the season, against a side who secured their Division One survival at the green and golds’ expense last week.
“It’s a good time to have a look at some of the players who’ve been doing well in the seconds,” said Moores.
“The fact that they know that they’ve played well in the twos and earned their chance should give them a great deal of confidence.
“Credit to them all for forcing their way into the team and earning the opportunity.”
This is not Blatherwick’s first taste of being in a Nottinghamshire senior squad, after two appearances in the Royal London One-Day Cup last year.
The 21-year-old made his debut in front of over 14,000 spectators at last year’s family fun day against Warwickshire, and retained his place for the Outlaws’ next 50-over clash against Worcestershire.
“Jack’s always been very committed, but he’s managed to bowl a large volume of overs in the twos this year,” said Moores.
“He’s had a really good last month or so, and that consistency of form is what’s earned him the right to get into the squad.”
Evison, meanwhile, has enjoyed spells as part of the England set-up this summer.
The 17-year-old was part of the England U19s squad for a tri-series against their India and Bangladesh counterparts, recording figures of 3-46 against India.
“Joey is a highly-talented product of the Academy,” Moores continued.
“We’ve watched him develop over the past few years and we’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen.
“This gives him a chance to see what’s required at senior level and move himself forward.”
Compton is part of a cricketing dynasty that includes former England batsmen Denis, who averaged over 50 in 78 Tests, and Nick, who played for the national team on 16 occasions.
The 25-year-old top-scored for the Second XI with a patient 87 against Sussex earlier this month and recorded an unbeaten 134 against Northamptonshire in August.
“Ben has been part of our Second XI set-up for a lot of the summer, and his style seems suited to longer-form cricket,” said Moores.
“He’s earned the right through performance – which is the best way to get into the team – so it’s an opportunity to see how he does when he moves up a level.”
Nottinghamshire squad (from): Ravichandran Ashwin, Jake Ball, Jack Blatherwick, Zak Chappell, Joe Clarke, Ben Compton, Paul Coughlin, Ben Duckett, Joey Evison, Luke Fletcher, Steven Mullaney (c), Chris Nash, Liam Patterson-White, Ben Slater.
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