Brendan Taylor has scored half-centuries in each of Nottinghamshire’s last two LV= County Championship matches, but admits he’s been having stern words with himself in the mirror ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Sussex.

The 29-year-old turned his previous four fifty plus scores into centuries; a discipline to which the former Zimbabwe international is eager to return.

“I’ve got in, got a decent score and got out,” said Taylor. “Every top order batsman will go home, look at themselves in the mirror and say that’s not good enough.

“You need to be pretty hard on yourself and really capitalise having done all the hard work against the new ball.

“When you’re getting 30, 40, 50 plus, you need to try and make that count, so that’s in the back of my mind and it’s something I’m very determined to get right in the next couple of games.”

Taylor has missed out on selection for each of Notts Outlaws’ most recent six matches in the NatWest T20 Blast competition and - while he admits missing out on the white ball action has been disappointing - it has allowed him to be extra prepared for Sunday’s trip to Horsham.

“Not being part of T20 cricket allows me to be fresh and I’ve really devoted my time to the four day game, so I’m really excited to make an impact against Sussex and hopefully get a win,” said Taylor.

“I’ve been spending time with Peter Moores and Paul Franks and doing some fantastic work with them, so my preparation has been excellent.

“I’d love to be playing T20 cricket, but the guys are doing a great job, they look pretty settled and it’s a busy schedule with the 50 over matches coming up.”

Nottinghamshire are welcoming James Taylor back into their four day lineup after the 25-year-old batsman missed the match against Middlesex with a hamstring injury.

Fast bowler Luke Fletcher returns to the squad having endured a period on the sidelines with a similar ailment. Fletcher’s fellow paceman Andrew Carter misses out again with a side injury.

Gary Keedy, meanwhile, has been called into the party as a potential second spinner with Matthew Carter not yet ready to return following a hip problem.

Changes to the remainder of the team may be likely, but Taylor expects his settled berth at the top of the order to continue for a twelfth first class fixture in succession and beyond.

“We are a pretty settled side when it comes to the batting order and I see it as a long-term thing, albeit you can’t always guarantee form and success,” he said.

“I’ll try not to look too far ahead but, if you have a little bit of success up-front, it certainly gives you that confidence to go out there and be successful.

“In English conditions, with a Dukes ball, I don’t think there is anywhere in the world where it is more difficult to bat as an opener, so it is a great challenge.

“It’s always going to be very tough but the weather drying out the wickets a little bit is certainly going to help.

“Teams are still going to be looking to take 20 wickets so they might be forced into playing more spinners, but there are still some quality seam bowlers around that can strike on any sort of wicket.

“It’s always going to be tough but, as an opening batsman, if you start well and give yourself a platform, it makes batting easier.”

Nottinghamshire squad to face Sussex (from): Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Brett Hutton, Gary Keedy, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Brendan Taylor, James Taylor, Riki Wessels and Luke Wood.

 

Notts Outlaws will next be in home action with the return of 50-over cricket for the Royal London One Day competition throughout July and August, starting with a weekend at Welbeck Cricket Club. Don't miss out on the next step of our summer of cricket and secure your seats now.