Alex Hales and Jake Ball return from international duty and go straight into the Outlaws 12-man squad for Samit Patel’s testimonial, the Royal London One-Day Cup fixture against Durham on Thursday.

Notts will be aiming to make it four wins on the bounce in the Royal London One Day Cup when play commences with a 2pm start at Trent Bridge. 

The returning Steven Mullaney has been in fine form since overcoming a foot injury with back to back half-centuries.

However, despite the trio of triumphs which culminated in a six wicket win against Leicestershire at Welbeck, he still believes there are things the side can improve on.

“I thought we were excellent but we know we’ve not played the perfect game yet,” he said.

“We’re striving to get there and the great thing is we’re playing well but we can still improve on things.

“Six points from the last three games gives us great confidence going into Thursday.”

Mullaney was quick to highlight the performance of the Notts bowlers, particularly Harry Gurney, at Welbeck.

“I thought Harry Gurney was absolutely outstanding. Something has clicked and he's now back to his best, which is great for us.

“If Harry’s bowling well it bodes well for our white ball team. And for Patto (James Pattinson) to bowl that spell in the middle where he got three quick wickets to really put the ball in our court, was a great performance.

“In 50 over cricket now if you bowl a team out for under 220, which we did, you’re obviously favourites to win the game,” he continued.

“By no means was it game over at half time though. We still had to play well with the bat and we did."

Mullaney was glad to report no ill effects having returned from the injury that ruled him out of the early part of the season.

“I feel great, there’s no pain at all. Hopefully, touch wood, I’ll be fine for the rest of the season,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to contributing towards us hopefully winning trophies and getting into match winning situations.

“I feel in good nick and hopefully I can continue that through the rest of this white ball campaign and into the red ball season.”

Mullaney was keen to highlight Samit Patel's contributions to the side ahead of his testimonial.

"He deserves it. He’s been great for Notts," he said. 

"He’s great to have in your team - he’s a guy who stands up in pressure situations and thrives off that on the big stage.

"Normally you associate people getting benefits and testimonials at the end of their careers, but I don’t think that’s anywhere near the case with Samit. He’s got another eight or ten years left in him.

"His stats tell you all you need to know. I’ve had eight great seasons with him and I’m looking forward to hopefully another eight more." 

"I know it’s his testimonial game, but I can tell you 100% that his main focus on Thursday will be to win the game and put us closer to a qualifying spot."

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Gate receipts from Notts Outlaws versus Durham on Thursday (2pm start) will be donated to Samit Patel’s testimonial year and his affiliated charities.

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