Michael Lumb’s sparkling Big Bash form is music to the ears of Mick Newell, who has predicted a return to the Nottinghamshire top three for the hard-hitting left-hander in 2016.
The 35-year-old made just 14 appearances in all competitions for Notts in 2015 owing to a combination of injury rehab and loss of form.
But, having refused to allow the conclusion of the season to diminish his tireless work in the nets, the former England international has been in sparkling touch for the Sydney Sixers during the festive period.
An average of 32.33 in an otherwise struggling batting line-up, together with a strike-rate of 133.79, means Lumb has a lofty batting index of 166.12 and is flying high in the competition’s batting rankings.
A brutal match-winning 63 off 35 balls against the Melbourne Renegades was his standout showing to date, the kind of performance his county Director of Cricket is looking forward to seeing again on English shores when the new season gets underway.
"Lumby had a difficult year in 2015 and he knows how important it is for a senior player like him to step up, come forward and lead this batting group,” said Newell.
“If we’re going to lose players to international cricket, which looks likely, we need everybody firing and he’s a high quality batsman. It’s great to see him hitting the ball so well.”
Although each of Lumb’s 30 England appearances came in white ball formats, the left-hander has also sustained a career first-class average in excess of 35 during his 185-match career with Yorkshire, Hampshire and Nottinghamshire.
It's no surprise, therefore, that Newell is keen to see his most experienced batsman return to the fold in all three formats of the game.
“He’s very important and he knows he’s important,” said Newell.
“He’s got a great record in all formats and we’re desperate to get him back into our top-order. He’s the sort of player you want in your top three.
“Last year was difficult injury wise and form wise, but he’ll see 2016 as a great opportunity to get back to the front of our batting, which is where he has spent most of his career and where he belongs.
“He’s a top-line batter that leads teams. If we’re going to bat well this year it’s really important that he’s scoring a lot of runs.”
The 2015 season saw 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.