Will Jefferson expects Ryan Sidebottom and Graeme Swann to have a real impact in the next two Twenty20 Cup matches for Notts Outlaws after being cleared to play by England.

The ECB have made a number of England players available for games played in the competition on Thursday and Friday ahead of the start of the ICC World Twenty20.

And it will mean Notts’ bowling attack is considerably strengthened as they begin a run of away fixtures in the competition, with the game at Old Trafford followed by trips to Derby and Durham on Friday and Sunday.

Jefferson, who top-scored with 75 in Monday’s thrilling one-wicket defeat to Durham Dynamos, said: “Clearly, having two players of that calibre will be a boost to us.

“I think they will want to make a point to England as well. They’re part of a 15-man squad for the ICC World Twenty20 and will want to demonstrate they should be part of the starting XI.”

The 29-year-old has been used down in the middle order this season to good effect in limited-overs cricket, and claims he’s enjoying the new experience.

He added: “I’ve never really done it before but as long as I’m scoring runs I’m going to be happy. I suppose I’ve come in to bat in a few sticky situations, like on Monday against Durham, but my experience as an opener is a help.

“I still look to get myself in before I start to attack. I play my best cricket at that stage, so it’s important I see off the first few balls and settle down.

“Twenty20 is such a short game that there isn’t much difference in the way the ball is behaving whether you bat at one or five. I might find myself facing medium-pacers or spinners but you still have to look to be aggressive and back yourself to hit boundaries.”

Squad to face Lancashire Lightning:
Ali Brown, Alex Hales, Samit Patel, Adam Voges, Will Jefferson, Chris Read, Graeme Swann, Kevin O’Brien, Mark Ealham, Darren Pattinson, Ryan Sidebottom, Luke Fletcher, Jason Brown.