Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell will name an unchanged team when Somerset visit Trent Bridge on Tuesday as Royal London One-Day Cup continues.
Newell watched his side dominate their competition opener against Sussex on Sunday and knows that a strong start will be important if the Outlaws are to reach the knockout phase.
James Taylor and Alex Hales will miss matches against Kent, Surrey and Durham and while Sam Wood has already been assured of elevation, the remaining place is likely to be taken by either Sam Kelsall or Billy Root.
“We’re already making plans as to how we might adapt and Steven Mullaney will move up the order with Sam Wood coming into the side,” said Newell.
“There’s a lot of Second Eleven cricket over the next few days and performances in those matches will determine who gets the batting spot.
“We want form players to make the step up and it looks likely to be call between Sam Kelsall and Billy Root.”
Michael Lumb showed no sign of his recent injury concerns as he shared a 139-run opening stand with Alex Hales at Horhsam. Newell has identified Lumb as a key player during the absence of Taylor and Hales
“Lumby was desperately keen to get back into the side and to make a big contribution and he’s done exactly that,” said Newell.
“He’ll be important to us throughout this competition and he’s nicely set now having shared that partnership with Alex.”
Mullaney’s two-a-ball 40 was also pleasing for Newell after momentum had begun to shift in Sussex’s favour.
“Steven’s innings got us back towards the score we should have been getting after such a strong opening stand,” said Newell.
“It was a terrific knock.”
Notts Outlaws’ Royal London One Day Cup match against Somerset begins at 10.30am tomorrow.
Notts Outlaws team to face Somerset: Alex Hales, Michael Lumb, James Taylor, Samit Patel, Riki Wessels, James Franklin, Chris Read, Steven Mullaney, Ajmal Shahzad, Jake Ball