Joe Clarke feels the Notts squad are in a good place in their preparation for back-to-back games at Trent Bridge, after the Outlaws secured an opening day win against Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast. 

Clarke top scored with 52 as the hosts chased down 164 with two balls remaining, and he says contributions from across the squad - which is unchanged for the clash against Northamptonshire Steelbacks (6.30pm) - bodes well in the early stages of the competition.

“After the first couple of overs when the ball was going everywhere, we dragged it back well. Particularly Samit, Carts, Dan and obviously Fletch with his five wickets,” Clarke said.

“Losing Alex early [in the run chase] wasn’t ideal but Ben came in and played freely. We put on 50 quickly and that set the game up. I would have liked to have gone on and scored a few more, but Tom played really nicely and Dan was there at the end. 

“I could add Jake Ball in his first game back for a while, he has had a tough 12 months so for him to come back and show the skills that he has is exceptional. 

“We are lucky with the players we have here, we have lads sitting on the bench who could come in and do the job that the lads on the park have done, and we are in a good place, but it is only game one.”

Five of those who took to the field against the Rapids have represented Nottinghamshire in the County Championship this season. 

It is a transition which, Clarke says, is becoming increasingly smooth as the volume of white ball cricket increases, made easier by practice time at Trent Bridge. 

But a fresh campaign provides no guarantees, and the need for Notts to get out of the gates quickly is starkly apparent. 

“We had a few days leading into that first game to get the green pads on, go in the nets and express ourselves,” Clarke said. 

“But, in the first game coming out of a red-ball block, it is nice to get a win first up. 

“We have three big games against three very good sides. You are looking to win all of those and be at the top of the ladder from the start.” 

The Outlaws are helped by the vociferous support at their home ground, including autograph-hunting youngsters at the close of play. 

And Clarke is hopeful that Notts can make it a positive few days for the city and county. 

“It is always lovely to give back to the younger ones who come to watch,” Clarke said, “It is a pleasure to play in front of the crowds we get here in the T20 and hopefully it continues throughout the season.”

“We know we are a good side; hopefully Sunday is a good day for the city [with Nottingham Forest at Wembley] and we can come back here to claim back-to-back wins.”

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Be More Outlaw: The 2022 Vitality Blast at Trent Bridge

Notts Outlaws, the 2017 and 2020 Vitality Blast winners, return to T20 action at Trent Bridge this summer from Friday 27 May to Friday 1 July. Pin your green and gold colours to the mast by securing your seats now.

Purchase your Season Ticket here...

Monday 30th May, Notts Outlaws vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks: Secure your seats…

Tuesday 31 May, Notts Outlaws vs Lancashire Lightning: Secure your seats…

Friday 17 June, Notts Outlaws vs Birmingham Bears: Secure your seats…

Tuesday 21 June, Notts Outlaws vs Leicestershire Foxes: Secure your seats…

Thursday 23 June, Notts Outlaws vs Derbyshire Falcons: Secure your seats…

Friday 1 July, Notts Outlaws vs Durham: Secure your seats…