Following England’s dismal World Cup, James Taylor is eager for a return to red-ball cricket, starting with Sunday’s season opener against Middlesex.

Taylor’s 98 not out in the first game against Australia, batting at six, was a high point of an otherwise disappointing campaign.

But now the right-hander, in his fourth season with the club, is focused on the ambitions of Nottinghamshire and can’t wait to get started.

“I am buzzing. I can’t wait to start,” he said.

“I have been looking forward to playing red ball cricket for the last few months now and it is a totally different mindset to one-day cricket, the main aim being to spend a bit more time at the crease.

“There is a great vibe around the squad with a great pre-season under our belts and I know the boys are raring to go.”

Additions such as Brendan Taylor, Will Gidman and Greg Smith over the winter will add to the competition for places across all formats throughout the season.

Add to them Vernon Philander, Ben Hilfenhaus and Darren Sammy, who will be joining for different parts of the summer and Taylor is increasingly excited for the prospect of the new season.

“We've got a few new faces and some big international stars coming into the team, so it's really exciting,” the 25-year-old said.

“Brendan's a brilliant addition and a really shrewd signing from Mick.”

“I hadn't seen much of him play until the World Cup, but seeing the way he performed against some of the best teams in the world was outstanding.”

“He was named as 12th man in the ICC's World Cup XI which just shows what he did in the competition.”

Taylor hopes that the side can go deep in all competitions and he believes the new additions will allow the side to remain fresh.

“We know it is a long season and there is going to be some chopping and changing but that is the beauty of having such a strong squad,” he added.

“We have match winners throughout our batting and bowling department so we should always be in the running in each competition.

“When you are playing at Notts surrounded by great players the excitement reaches breaking point but this year it is higher than ever.” 

 

The excitement of the NatWest T20 Blast returns to Trent Bridge in May as Notts Outlaws hope to break the 10,000 barrier for the arrival of reigning champions Birmingham Bears on Friday 15 May.

Adult tickets are available at a special price of £10 and further discounts in place for under 16s (£5), under21s (£7) and senior citizens (£7) when buying in advance. Make Trent Bridge a firm fixture for your Friday nights and secure your seats now.