Harry Gurney says he’s happy to be a party pooper for the neutrals against Worcestershire, just as long as the Notts Outlaws supporters are pleased.
As a death bowler, Gurney admits his role can be to somewhat extinguish the entertainment as he aims to prevent the ball from flying out of the ground for valuable runs.
It’s something the 29-year-old is more than happy to take on the chin if it helps the Outlaws progress to the quarter-finals.
“The T20 game is set up for runs,” he admits. “People want to come and see fours and sixes.
“Guys like me who bowl at the end have a real desire to try and stop that from happening and to restrict them from scoring.
“You want starve the guys who are trying to entertain the crowd.
“That means being a party pooper for the neutrals, but not for our fans who will enjoy it. They're a knowlegeable bunch, and are probably as hungry for success as we are.”
Years of experience bowling at the business end have taught Gurney to accept that things won’t always go his way.
However, Gurney was able to bowl under less pressure at the death during Friday’s victory as the slower bowlers, and in particular Imran Tahir, ripped through the heart of the Northamptonshire Steelbacks batting line up.
The left armer expects there will be more to come from the South African leg spinner, as the Outlaws aim to make it two wins in consecutive days in the NatWest T20 Blast.
“Bowling at the end of the innings you have to try and take scenarios like that and look at them as an opportunity really,” he said.
“Tahir’s character is as important as his world class bowling, he is obviously an incredible bowler and he has pedigree in the white ball game and is international exploits.
“He is an absolutely cracking bloke, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.
“When he gets on the pitch, he absolutely loves taking wickets and doing well for whoever he plays for, thankfully for us, it is Nottinghamshire.
“The Rapids have dangerous players, they have done for two or three years now, and they are not a side you can take lightly.
“We went to their place and beat them which was pleasing and hopefully we can put in a good performance.
“If we put in a solid performance, we won’t go far wrong.”
Notts Outlaws squad to face Worcestershire Rapids (from): Dan Christian (c), Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Greg Smith, Imran Tahir, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels and Sam Wood.
Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information
Vs. Worcestershire Rapids – Saturday 9 July 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
Vs. Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 15 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
Vs. Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 29 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.
Supporters with tickets for the rained off matches against Derbyshire & Durham, simply present them on the gate to gain entry at any regular season fixture during the remainder of the season.