James Hayes feels his exposure to first-team cricket across all formats leaves him well-equipped for a crucial run of games in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, beginning with tomorrows clash with Northants Steelbacks at Chesterfield (11am start).

Notts members can gain access free of charge by presenting their membership card at the gates tomorrow, with tickets for non-members available here…

Hayes was the pick of the bowlers in Notts’ narrow defeat to Kent at Beckenham on Sunday, taking three wickets, and he feels his tactical awareness in particular has grown this season.

“I think that’s probably the thing that’s improved my game this year more than anything,” he said.

“That understanding of the game comes with playing more first-team cricket, which I’ve been lucky enough to do this year.

“Time on loan in the T20s [with Gloucestershire] taught me a lot, so maybe I feel more comfortable in those moments after getting that experience.

“Playing on those T20 Blast stages means it doesn’t feel as daunting, and the back end of a 50-over game is essentially a T20, so you can transfer those skills back over.

“I think the things I’ve learned from that, and have the work I’ve been building on in the last couple of years, has allowed me to put some decent performances in.”

Hayes opened the bowling with Leicestershire loanee Sam Wood on Sunday, giving him more of a leadership role in a young seam attack.

It was an opportunity the right-armer enjoyed – but he was also quick to credit the side’s more experienced members with their impact.

“It was a different feel, but it was quite nice to step into that role of a lead bowler,” he said.

“But we’d still got a guy like Lyndon [James], there who’s been around a while and knows his stuff, so he kind of took that leadership role in the group.

“We all had a chat beforehand and got on the same page. We came really close to a win, but I think as an attack we did ourselves justice on the day, and personally for me it was nice to put a performance in.”

This week sees Hayes visit Chesterfield’s Queen’s Park for the first time – and his first impressions are positive.

“It’s a nice ground with a friendly atmosphere – and they put on a good breakfast for training, which is great!” he said.

“There’s a little training whizzing around the park and tooting its horn which is nice! The facilities are in good shape too, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Tomorrow’s game is the first of three in five days for the Outlaws, as the Metro Bank One Day Cup group stages enter their final stretch.

Notts travel to Cheltenham (Sunday 9 August) and the Kia Oval (Tuesday 11 August) for their final two fixtures.

The Outlaws currently occupy third place in the Group A table, which would secure a quarter-final spot, and Hayes is prepared for the challenge ahead as they seek to consolidate their place in the knockout stages.

“I’m going to try and stay in the moment throughout the whole weekend,” he said.

“It’s five days of cricket really, because you’re travelling and playing day after day, so if you think too much about it feels quite daunting.

“Having that quarter-final in sight gives you the extra energy you need.

“But I’m prepared for it, the body’s prepared for it, so I’m looking forward to it.”