Tom Moores admitted an unexpected opportunity to perform in front of a packed Trent Bridge made his matchwinning innings for Trent Rockets all the more special, as the Rockets overcame Southern Brave by four wickets.

Moores hammered 55 from 30 balls to be named Match Hero having been called up as a short-term replacement for Tom Alsop, who took a blow to the face in the Rockets’ match at Lord’s on Thursday.

The half-century was the latest in a run of gamechanging knocks by the left-hander, whose 148 secured victory for the Outlaws against Essex at Welbeck, having made crucial contributions to T20 wins against Lancashire, Leicestershire and Bears (on two occasions) during the 2025 Vitality Blast.

“I couldn’t have asked for more,” he said.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better day for your first Hundred appearance of the season – it was pretty special all round, and it just sweetens the deal with it being at Trent Bridge.

“I don’t think I’ve had a purple patch quite like this, so long may it continue.”

Moores had little more than 24 hours to prepare for a return to the hundred-ball format, but the wicketkeeper-batter felt simplicity was key to his adaptation.

“I feel like I’ve been in good touch all year, so I just tried to keep the same processes I’ve been doing and keep the game as simple as I can,” he said.

“Whatever shirt you’re wearing you just want to contribute to winning games for your team. That’s all I try to do, and thankfully today with Bants (Tom Banton) who played magnificently, we managed to get a win.”

Moores shared a 76-run stand with Tom Banton, who hit 49 from 38 balls, and he was fulsome in his praise of the Rockets opener.

“Bants is a phenomenal player now,” he said.

“He’s a very experienced player at the top of the order – one of the best in the world. He’s so hard to bowl to and really nice to bat with because I feel like we complement each other well.

“We score in different areas, so as a combo we just tried to keep each other going and put pressure on the bowlers.

“He batted beautifully as he has all comp, he’s shown it time and time again, so it was nice to bat with him.”

Southern Brave were restricted to 140/4 from their 100 deliveries – a total which Moores and his teammates felt confident about chasing in front of a sold-out Trent Bridge.

“We knew we had more than enough firepower down the order to be able to go and positively play our shots and back ourselves,” he said.

“We were very confident at halfway, and we knew it just needed a partnership and thankfully that was me and Bants today.

“You want to be the man there not out at the end, but as long as the team get over the line that’s the main thing.”

Trent Rockets return to Trent Bridge for a double-header against Manchester Originals on Tuesday 19 August. Secure your seats here...