2021 ANNUAL REPORT

23 CRICKET REPORT at the higher level. An environment was formed in which individuals could develop their skills and mentality whilst pushing for selection in first-team cricket. The aforementioned trio of Lyndon, Liam and Joey represented the first team with distinction on a consist- ent basis, showing the platform that the Second XI can provide.We also saw James Hayes, Calvin Harrison and Matthew Montgomery, initially trialists, joining the staff by the end of the season – all examples of the opportunities that these competitions provide. The results the Second XI achieved improved as the year wore on, the highlight being an innings victory againstWarwickshire having enforced the follow-on.The majority of our games lasted the duration of the four days, which could prove important in preparing players for First-Class cricket in the future. We have to consistently demand more from our players in the Second XI to ensure that they are at the required level to step into the first team, and we sincerely hope that more players can continue to make that progression over the coming years. It is also pleasing, and a product of a concerted effort, to be achieving greater fluidity between the Academy and the Second XI. We are very much aware of the significant talent within our Academy set-up, and were delighted to see Fateh and Sammy at the ECB Super 4s Festival, while Fateh received a deserved call-up for EnglandYoung Lions’ series’ at home toWest Indies, away to Sri Lanka and for the U19 World Cup in the Caribbean. Both have been awarded their first profes- sional contracts, and their gradua- tion to the staff represents recogni- tion for their Academy and Second XI performances. Sam Seecharan, Farhan Ahmed and Travis Holland continued our long- standing representation at the ECB’s Bunbury Festival. All three also stepped up to play U18 cricket, and performed well in doing so. Opening the batting aged 14,Travis recorded five fifties and one century, while Farhan’s tally of 21 wickets was bettered only by Sammy and Fateh. Having taken a decision to reduce the age of the Academy to give individuals an extended run at U18 cricket, and allow us to make decisions on players at the age of 18 or 19 based on what we have seen, we are beginning to see rewards. Our formula for developing our homegrown talent starts in the County Age Groups and moves into the Academy setup, and MattWood should be praised for cultivating an environment in which younger players feel able to express themselves. Further to our men’s progression, it was, for me, a particular highlight to see the growth of the women’s game over the last 12 months. Nottinghamshire had a particularly successful season, winning all five “WE KNOW THAT WOMEN’S CRICKET IS GOING TO FEATURE FAR MORE AT TRENT BRIDGE THAN IT EVER HAS IN THE PAST – AND, WITH CRICKET NEEDING TO EXTEND ITS APPEAL TO WOMEN AND GIRLS EVERY BIT AS MUCH AS MEN AND BOYS, THIS CAN ONLY BE A GOOD THING. TO HAVE PLAYERS OF THAT QUALITY PLAYING IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS AT OUR HOME IN DOUBLE-HEADERS WAS A GREAT STEP FORWARD.” Mick Newell