Michael Lumb says he is building towards a big 2016 with Nottinghamshire after re-signing for the Sydney Sixers in Australia’s Big Bash.
The 35-year-old missed the entire first half of the 2015 county season having undergone surgery on an arm injury.
Having returned to the side with a half-century against Somerset in mid-June, Lumb totalled 14 appearances across all competitions and - with a winter of T20 under his belt - he’s determined to play far more first team cricket next season.
“This year has been disappointing from a personal point-of-view, so I’m looking forward to being fit, getting back on the field and contributing to a successful Notts,” he said.
“I’m definitely not someone who likes to be sat on the sides with injury, or someone who likes to miss cricket.
“It’s very frustrating so I’m chomping to get back on the field in a Notts shirt.
“It was very tough,” Lumb continued, talking about the months of rehabilitation that eventually culminated in a return to first team action.
“With long-term injury you can’t do much in terms of batting and stuff like that, so it’s pretty testing.
“To have come back, got over the line and been involved again is something I’m very happy to have done.
“It was very frustrating, but the good medical staff here have patched me up and got me playing again so I’m happy."
Lumb has featured in each BBL campaign since 2010/11, playing a total of 35 matches for the Sixers and averaging 28.25.
They were winners in 2011/12, semi-finalists in 2013-14 and runners-up last year.
“It’s a fantastic experience; the big crowds, the good weather and good atmosphere,” Lumb said.
“It’s just an all-round good competition and I’m looking forward to being there again.
“As a professional cricketer that’s what you play for; the big games and the big events like the quarter final at Adelaide last year when there was 60-odd thousand there. To be a part of it, I’m very lucky.
“I just want to contribute to a winning team. We’ve been quite successful throughout the comp; we’ve won it then unfortunately last year we just missed out on the last ball of the final.
“We’ve had some success so obviously we want to continue that, and I want to contribute to a winning team.
“I’ve been working pretty hard in the nets and getting fit, so I’m ready to get amongst it.”
The 2015 season has seen dramatic last-gasp four day victories, thrilling limited-overs contests and an historic Investec Ashes Test, all in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge.
Next season, we’d wager, will be no less enthralling and frankly we’d hate for you to miss out.