Ahead of Notts Outlaws’ quarter-final clash against Essex Eagles this Thursday, it’s time to run the rule over the batsmen that have impressed for the Outlaws in the Friends Life t20, and its previous incarnations. From Perth to Johannesburg, Trent Bridge has attracted some of the best, and here are the picks from an excellent bunch:
In a game seeming ruled by the quality of overseas players, there’s a lot to be said in favour of Australian Adam Voges. His first class average of 77.44 for Notts was exceptional, and his aggression and ability saw him become an instant favourite in the shorter formats. In 2011 he scored 484 t20 runs for the Outlaws, and his unbeaten 82 against Yorkshire in 2009 is the county’s highest total from number 4 in the competition.
The Notts Outlaws’ leading run-taker in this format is the evergreen Samit Patel. His 1922 runs have come consistently throughout the ten years of the competition, the most profitable season being 2010, where his 459 runs helped propel the Outlaws to the competition’s semi-finals.
After signing for Notts for the start of their 2012 campaign, Michael Lumb smashed his way to 1,402 runs for the season in all competitions. He, alongside fellow Outlaw Alex Hales, has also been selected as an opening batsman for England’s t20 side, and he duly rewarded the selectors when the pair dismantled New Zealand in Wellington this winter.
If that wasn’t enough, he took it upon himself to defeat Durham almost single-handedly at the Emirates this summer, his stunning 96 not only the best score from a Notts number 2, but is widely acknowledged as one of the finest knocks in the competition’s history.
The second of the England pair, Alex Hales, is a true destructive force in twenty 20 cricket. On international duty, he scored a vicious 80 in that fateful match in Wellington, tormenting now-team mate and kiwi bowler Ian Butler. And let’s not forget that 99 against the West Indies.
His domestic exploits are as impressive. At the age of 24, he already has 1520 t20 runs for Nottinghamshire, including 12 half-centuries. While he has been subdued in red ball cricket this term, his imperious 82 against Lancashire Lightning saw the Outlaws win their group with some style. The pick of his innings was a trio of sixes in successive balls off Tom Smith, a timely reminder that while form is temporary, class is permanent.
Which brings us to David Hussey, the quintessential twenty 20 batsman. Since making his t20 debut for Nottinghamshire in 2004, he has played across the world and scored more than 5,000 runs in the process.
Few sights have become as synonymous with the excitement of Friends Life t20 cricket in Nottinghamshire as Huss striding to the crease and looking to take the attack to the opposing bowlers.
The relief that seeing his name on the team sheet brings Outlaws fans is only matched by the euphoria at the Australian’s ability to clear the ropes, and his 1861 t20 runs place him in the upper echelons of t20 cricketers across the globe.
With four of the top five currently in the Outlaws XI, the Notts order will surely be a daunting prospect for the Eagles when they arrive on Thursday.
Tickets for the Outlaws' Friends Life t20 quarter-final are now on general sale from our online box office.
Supporters can also visit the Trent Bridge ticket office or call the ticket hotline (0844 8118711) during office hours.
Friends Life t20 Quarter-Final Ticket information
Notts Outlaws v Essex Eagles, Thursday 8 August, 7.10pm CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
Ticket prices:
Buy before 4.30pm on Wednesday 7 August:
Members - Adults £15 / Under 16s £8 / Over 65s £8
Non-members - Adults £17 / Under 16s £9 / Over 65s £9 / families (2+2) £43
On the day:
Adults £20 / Over 65s £20 / Under 16s £10 / Families (2+2) £50