Mick Newell admits Notts Outlaws are struggling to be ready for the revamped Natwest T20 Blast as they look to live up to their favourites tag.

The Outlaws are 13/2 joint top tip among the bookmakers ahead of tonight's curtain raiser against Lancashire Lightning at Trent Bridge (6.30pm).

But for Newell that is irrelevant as he challenges his team to adapt to playing group games alongside their County Championship campaign.

The Notts director of cricket said: "We are learning this year because we are entering the unknown in a sense. Normally we would have scheduled a block of training for a three week competition.

"This year is different. We'll go into the comp a little behind but that's the way it is for everyone. We've not had Twenty20 cricket like this before but it's always a lottery.

"One ball, one player can change everything. It's not a game you can ever feel you've mastered. We have to hope our players are the ones that put in the match winning efforts.

"I don't know if we're fully prepared because we have so little time. (Yesterday) was the only time we've got to get as ready as we can be for a totally different kind of cricket.

"It's very difficult to say who the best teams will be in the group. There are some decent players in most teams.

"We can't bet obviously! We've got a decent record and we've got exciting batsmen.

"The test will be if we can back them up with good seam bowling. There will be three seamers in every match be it Andy Carter, Harry Gurney, Ajmal Shahzad, Andre (Adams), Fletch (Luke Fletcher) or Jake (Ball) when he's fit.

"There will be an emphasis on them doing their job."

Notts have made the last four quarter-finals, but only got through to finals day in 2010.

Despite being perennially among the favourites, Newell says they have not underachieved in the competition.

"I don't think we've underachieved. Four straight quarter-finals is a good effort," he said.

"We've not won it and I'd certainly like to do better, hopefully this year."

Wednesday's stunning victory against Northamptonshire ensured morale in the camp is sky high, but Newell says it makes no other difference to tonight's match.

"Winning the game before brings everyone in in a good mood. There's a good atmosphere, but you can't read any more into it than that because it's such a different form of cricket," he said.

"A good four day side doesn't necessarily equate to a good Twenty20 team."

All-rounder Andre Adams has been added to the squad for tonight's game as bowler Andy Carter is a doubt with a back injury sustained against Northamptonshire.

Fellow all-rounder Steven Mullaney should be fit after back and elbow injuries.

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Notts Outlaws begin their Natwest T20 Blast campagin tonight, under the Trent Bridge floodlights. Tickets are moving quickly, don't miss out:

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Notts Outlaws v Lancashire Lightning
On the day ticket prices:
Adults £16
Under 21s £12
Over 65s £12
Under 16s £8 
Family (2+2) £40