Tonight, the Notts Outlaws will be looking to continue their 100% record in white-ball cricket with a home tie against Sussex Sharks. Notts swept the Netherlands aside as part of the Cornish Cricket Festival on Wednesday, justifying the inclusion of Graeme White and young Sam Wood, who both took wickets.
“Conditions in Truro called for extra spin and Sam Wood and Graeme White played very well,” said Newell.
“We are expecting a good pitch at Trent Bridge tonight so we’ve altered the balance of our team for tonight.”
One player who looks set to make a return is batsman Riki Wessels, who was forced to retire injured during the weekend’s LV=County Championship match against Derbyshire last weekend.
“Having made such a strong start we have the luxury of a bit of freedom," Mick Newell.
“Riki had a few scans, and I was keen for him to prove in the second team to prove his fitness, but he came through fine and we want him to play tonight.”
With their 100% record intact, the Outlaws will be going into tonight’s clash knowing that they are in a dominant position, and Newell is confident of continuing their fine form.
“Having made such a strong start we have the luxury of a bit of freedom because matters are in our own hands and we can control the group,” he said.
Ahead of the clash, tickets were made available for £1, with all proceeds going to the charitable arm of the club, the Trent Bridge Community Trust. This led to a huge uptake of tickets and tonight, Trent Bridge could well be expecting the strongest attendance ever for a YB40 group stage match.
“I’ve checked the forecast and I’ve spoken to Steve Birks and we think we’re going to miss the rain,” said Newell.
“We’re looking forward to playing in front of what looks to be an excellent crowd tonight at Trent Bridge.”
Notts Outlaws XI to face Sussex Sharks: Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, James Taylor, Samit Patel, David Hussey, Riki Wessels, Chris Read (C), Steven Mullaney, Ajmal Shahzad, Jake Ball, Harry Gurney