Nottinghamshire have a long tradition of developing players for international cricket, and Harry Gurney is the latest name in the county’s illustrious list.
Selected in England’s ODI and T20 squads to face Sri Lanka over the coming weeks, Gurney’s debut against Scotland last week left his name very much in the hat.
“I felt like it was a steady debut, I didn’t set the world alight but didn’t disgrace myself either,” he said.
“It was nice to get the debut out of the way and hopefully I can get another game under my belt on Tuesday night, and really start to push on and cement a place in the England side.
“Sharing the ball with James Anderson was quite strange really, but just being out there, wearing the three lions on my chest was a really proud moment.”
Gurney’s selection puts Sri Lanka in his sights, with a sole T20 international at the Kia Oval on Tuesday. He insisted that he’ll be working day by day to prepare, and also impress for Nottinghamshire against Lancashire in the first fixture of the Natwest T20 Blast.
“I’ll go down to London and prepare for two days before the T20 on Tuesday, as I would for any game I was expecting to play in,” said Gurney.
“We have a game here on Friday night against Lancashire, which will be great ahead of that stint for England.
If I’m selected to face Sri Lanka hopefully that few days preparation prior to the match will put me in a pretty good place should I be required.”
Gurney’s involvement with England began in October, when he was brought in by Andy Flower as a specialist net bowler to aid his country’s Ashes preparations. From there, he was selected by Ashley Giles for England’s tour of the West Indies and now, under the newest coaching regime, he’s in the fold once more.
“I’ve had three coaches in six months,” said Gurney.
“It went from Flower, to Giles, to Moores. It’s a good environment at the moment; we had a lot of fun in Scotland.
“We worked hard but the atmosphere in the dressing room was great, it was one of excitement and everyone is really looking forward to a successful summer for England.”
As well as Gurney’s selection in both ODI and T20 squads, fellow Outlaw Alex Hales has also been picked to continue opening the batting for England in the game’s shortest form. Michael Lumb, however, missed out but Gurney insisted that his teammate’s class is permanent.
“As a mate, I’m disappointed for him but he’s a strong character,” he said.
“He’ll bounce back and really impress again for Notts, I have no doubt about that. He’ll be asking questions again before we know it.
“At every level you go through in your development you’re looking impress the respective coach and captain, and earn the respect of your trams mates and looking up and into the international arena I’ll be looking to do that.”
Before joining up with his England teammates, Gurney will looking closer to home with the arrival of Lancashire Lightning to Trent Bridge, giving Notts Outlaws their first competitive white-ball contest of the summer in the first fixture of the newly revamped NatWest T20 Blast.
“We’re all really excited, and hoping that the new format will bring in good Friday night crowds, bringing people down to Trent Bridge and make it part of their evening routine,” he said.
“I’d like to think it can compare with the season ticket holders for a football club. It’ll be good fun and a great answer.
“We’re confident. Trent Bridge is a difficult place to come and win but there won’t be any easy games. You look around and there are some really strong teams to face, Lancs are no exception.”
Supporters can purchase discounted tickets for Friday's NatWest T20 Blast opener against Lancashire Lightning until midnight on Thursday.
v Lancashire Lightning - Friday 16 May 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
TICKET OFFER Adults £10 / U16s £5 / U21s £7 / Over 65s £7
v Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 23 May 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Durham Jets – Friday 30 May 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Birmingham Bears – Friday 13 June 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 20 June 6pm BUY TICKETS
v Yorkshire Vikings – Saturday 28 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes – Sunday 20 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
Season tickets include access to all seven group stage home fixtures and a no rain guarantee. Click here to secure your seat. Adults £70 / Over 65s £49 / Families £175 / Under 21s £35 / Under 16s £25
Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.
Want the best seats in the house? Call 0844 8118712 for hospitality or click here for our £30 steak, chips and cricket package.