Michael Lumb’s successful Big Bash campaign with the Sydney Sixers not only marked a welcome return to form for the left-hander, it provided a model of batting that he's hoping to replicate for Nottinghamshire in 2016.
The 36-year-old missed the first half of last season recovering from an arm injury and – having undergone intense rehab – was unable to find the form that has established him as an all format run machine since arriving at Trent Bridge in 2012.
While his county colleagues enjoyed their close season break, Lumb hit the nets and gym hard.
With Peter Moores and his trusted dog thrower for company, the former England batsman’s form returned, teeing-up a campaign down under that yielded 253 runs at an average of 31.62.
Wins were hard to come by for a Sixers side that slumped to the bottom of the table. However, their memorable triumph over the Melbourne Renegades was inspired by Lumb’s 63 off 35 balls, an innings that included five sixes.
Having backed up his consistent BBL05 campaign by enjoying valuable pre-season preparation during Nottinghamshire’s tour of Barbados, Lumb is primed for a big 2016 back at Trent Bridge.
“The frustration of last year and the work I put in with Mooresy, I took it into the Big Bash and it provided a template that works,” he said.
“I took it into Barbados and spent a bit of time in the middle there too, so I’m moving down the right track, the things we are doing are working and hopefully I can take that into the season and have a bit of success with Notts.
“Barbados was a great tour from all aspects with lots of things to take into the season.
“The guys worked really hard, the facilities were great and everyone got what they needed out of it, which was the main thing.
“We saw some good young kids coming through, everyone spent some time in the middle, the atmosphere was great and it’s hard not to enjoy the sun on your back.”
Next up for Notts is a two-day friendly against Leicestershire at Trent Bridge starting on Thursday, in which Lumb hopes to acclimatise to bowler friendly conditions.
“It will be a test. It’s a good time for batters and bowlers to get used to conditions back in England,” he said.
“The wicket at Trent Bridge is going to seam around a little bit, so it will be nice to spend some time out there facing that, and for the bowlers to find their lengths as well.
“We’re looking forward to getting out there and running around on our home ground, so the boys are up for it.”
Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell hopes to provide the majority of his squad with game time during the course of the two days and has named a 17-man squad.
The match will begin at 11am at Trent Bridge on both days, with free entry for all supporters. Refreshments will be available in the Members' Pavilion.
Nottinghamshire squad to face Leicestershire (from): Jake Ball, Matthew Carter, Anuj Dal, Will Gidman, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Ben Kitt, Jake Libby, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Chris Read, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, James Taylor, Riki Wessels and Luke Wood.
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.