Chris Gibson is relishing the chance to play for some silverware when Nottinghamshire’s Second XI travel to Arundel tomorrow (Thursday) to compete in T20 Finals day.
Notts will come up against Glamorgan in the opening semi-final of the day at 10:30am and the winners of the tie will be rewarded with the chance to face Hampshire or Durham in the final from 5pm.
Academy player Gibson, who has been ever-present in the run to the semi-final, is keen to take it two steps further and secure their first T20 crown.
“The seconds have had a really good year in T20 cricket. With what happened last year, where we didn’t perform anywhere near our best to have the year we have had this summer has been really exciting,” said Gibson.
“We have the same core of 5 to 6 Academy players that have played for the past couple of years and then you get one of the first teamers come in with all of their experience.
“Sometimes they will help the team out massively with their performance but also with advice as well.”
The seconds will be looking to showcase their talent in front of a larger than usual crowd at Arundel with an early opportunity to get a taste of silverware.
With the likes of Jack Blatherwick and Lyndon James making their debuts in recent years for the first team, the players on show will know a strong showing in the pressure of Finals Day will stand them in good stead for further recognition.
“Finals Day is a bigger stage for us, there will be more people there and we’re playing for a trophy," said Gibson.
"Winning and perfroming in a pressure situation in front of a bigger crowd and more at stake shows good qualities when trying to make it into the first team.
“The challenge for us will be to continue what we are doing, as we have been playing quite an aggressive brand in a bid to mirror the first team.”
The seconds confirmed their place at Finals Day with a victory over Worcestershire last week and rubber stamped their position at the top with a brace of wins against Lancashire at Grantham.
Notts squad for T20 Finals Day: Kashif Ali, Saad Ashraf, Jack Blatherwick, Matt Carter, Chris Gibson, Lyndon James (c), Ishraj Jandu, Chris Nash, Liam Patterson-White, Jack Potticary, Jayden Schadendorf, Ben Slater.
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There are three further opportunities to catch the Outlaws in T20 action at Trent Bridge this summer, with the next home game under the lights against Derbyshire Falcons on Friday 16 August.