Jake Ball has been placed at the front and centre of his club’s seasonal launch as he aims to bounce back from the tribulations of his most challenging year.
The Nottinghamshire and England bowler takes the starring role in his club’s 42-second promotional film, which has been launched today in partnership with Affixxius Films, ‘Out Run. Out Law. Out Now.’
The film shows the right-armer sprinting past Nottingham landmarks, racing passenger trains and weaving between free-runners before delivering the ball in front of a packed Trent Bridge.
The video release comes as tickets go on general sale for Notts’ Vitality Blast campaign, with the Outlaws bidding to reach their fourth Finals Day in five years.
Supporters are now also able to secure seats for home fixtures in the Specsavers County Championship and Royal London Cup.
The video showcases Nottinghamshire’s new adidas kit and the historic monogram which has been restored to the club’s white playing shirts and training kit. Ball believes the new look ties in with a feeling of renewal amongst the squad.
“There’s definitely an air of this year representing a fresh start,” says the 28-year-old.
“With us having a young squad and looking to bounce back from last season, it feels like a great time to start with a clean slate heading into the new season.”
Ball endured a trying 2019, taking 36 wickets across all formats as he returned to fitness following the back injury which curtailed his 2018 campaign.
The Mansfield-born quick, who is heading into his tenth season with the Outlaws, is eager to return to form.
“Last year was quite difficult for me as an individual,” he concedes.
“The injury I had in 2018 meant I ended up going longer without bowling than I ever had in my career.
“I thought I’d just be able to step straight back in and be able to perform the way I had over the previous six or seven years, but that wasn’t the case.
“It was quite a tough thing to take, but I see mental strength as one of my strong points, so I’m looking to go into the new season without any baggage from last year.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to gather momentum this season and challenge for promotion.”
Ball sports a range of Nottinghamshire’s new adidas apparel, sponsored by John Pye, during ‘Out Law. Out Run. Out Now.’ He says the new garments, and the return of the club’s original emblem, have drawn a positive response from the public.
“I love the new kit,” he says. “It seems to be going down really well with everyone.
“I’ve only had it a couple of days and I’ve already had people stop me in the gym – and even in the supermarket – to say how much they like it.”
Nottinghamshire’s new long-term partnership with Affixxius Films gets underway with the release of ‘Out Run. Out Law. Out Now.’
The link-up will see the award-winning production company providing a range of content to enhance the club’s digital and in-bowl offering.
Affixxius’ previous work with Notts included the acclaimed ‘Cricket Has Landed’ series, which won a Royal Television Society award in 2014 and helped to drive then-record attendances at Trent Bridge.