Calvin Harrison is relishing the opportunity to reveal his red-ball repertoire in a fixture that neatly illustrates the extent of his meteoric rise, as Nottinghamshire host Loughborough UCCE at Trent Bridge in their opening pre-season friendly at Trent Bridge.
Harrison has been named in a 13-man squad to face the university side, a year on from blunting the Nottinghamshire attack with a century for Oxford UCCE; a performance that triggered a rollercoaster sequence of events for the leg-spinning all-rounder.
As a student at Loughborough, Notts all-rounder Matt Montgomery will, meanwhile, turn out for the visitors.
That 166-ball 121 during the formative stages of 2021 initiated a trial period with the Nottinghamshire squad; one that ultimately resulted in a professional contract, an imperious Vitality Blast and a deal with Manchester Originals for The Hundred.
Second XI cricket and stints as a substitute fielder aside, the only thing missing from a stellar inaugural year was a chance to contribute to his adopted county’s cause in the pristine white flannels of the red-ball game - an honour set to be bestowed at the first time of asking in 2022.
“The pre-season university fixture at Trent Bridge holds some special memories for sure,” said Harrison. “It’s strange to think that it was only a year ago. So much has happened since.
“For me, I’ve seen at first hand what the university pathway can do to launch a career, so I respect the concept and the opposition for sure. I’m looking forward to locking horns with what’s sure to be a talented Loughborough side tomorrow.”
Harrison’s 20 Vitality Blast wickets at 13.90 saw him top the wicket takers’ chart in an Outlaws side that lost just twice in qualifying for the quarter-finals in 2021.
His returns in the black of the Manchester Originals, meanwhile, saw the honour bestowed of a returner’s contract, with no need to re-enter the draft.
It’s the kind of breakthrough that could easily see the Durban-born star labelled as a white-ball specialist, but that’s a tag that Harrison, as a traditionalist at heart, is keen to dispel.
“I had a brilliant time playing short format cricket last season and was massively grateful for every opportunity that came my way. The big crowds add to the sense of excitement and holding your nerve under that pressure was a big part of what was required within those environments.
“Red-ball county cricket has a different feel, but it’s no less special. There’s a purity to it. The pace is more sedate, but it’s certainly no less of a battle and there’s a massive amount of history attached to wearing the Nottinghamshire whites.
“I’ve been practising hard with the red-ball in the nets and it’s pleasing to get an opportunity straight off the bat to show what I can do in match situation.
“The competition for places here is massive, and we’ve got the bowling unit to opt for a different balance for different types of pitches too. I just want to put myself in the mix to play as much as I can, and this week’s game is a great opportunity to get up and running for the season.”