The Notts Outlaws are welcoming Jake Ball back into their 50-over squad ahead of Sunday’s fixture against the Lancashire Lightning.

The 25-year-old has been made available by England after missing the Warwickshire fixture due to selection in the squad for the Third Investec Test against Sri Lanka.

While the Outlaws' bowling options have been strengthened by the inclusion of Ball, the batting is in imperious form having posted totals of over 400 in each of the previous two fixtures.

“It's a good place to be, you get momentum with that,” said Outlaws batsman Greg Smith.

“People around the country look at our scores, they will see that we posted 400 runs twice in one week.

“It gets people talking and hopefully becomes self-fulfilling.

“If there is a bit of hype behind our batting line-up we've got to live up to it.

“We've got to keep posting scores that will win us games.”

Smith looks to have locked down the number three position in the Outlaws’ 50-over batting order.

In the recent two victories over Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, batting at first wicket down didn’t prevent having to wait hours for his time to come in the middle, such was the form of openers Michael Lumb and Riki Wessels.

But the 27-year-old is ready to face the pair of new balls should the situation arise in Blackpool.

“You play what's in front of you, you play the situation,” he said.

“It felt like I should pay my money and watch from the stands in those previous two games.

“But I've batted at number three quite a lot in my one day career and I’ve had reasonable success.

“You have to be flexible and that’s something I enjoy.”

Whether early wickets fall or not, Smith insists that the Outlaws will be aiming to retain their tag as white ball entertainers.

“The members got value for their money last week with a lot of runs; a lot of great entertainment.

“All the boys are proud of the show they're putting on.

“We want to be an entertaining side, we want to play exciting cricket and if we can deliver that throughout the tournament we'd be very happy.”

Notts Outlaws squad to face Lancashire Lightning (from): Jake Ball, Dan Christian (c), Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels and Sam Wood.

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

Vs. Durham Jets – Friday 1 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

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.