Batsman Jake Libby is expecting powerplay fireworks when the Outlaws clash with the Bears in T20 Vitality Blast on Friday.

With the renowned paceman of Fidel Edwards set to feature for the Bears against the celebrated Notts trio of Alex Hales, Joe Clarke and Ben Duckett, the opening six overs of the Outlaws innings will be no time for supporters to leave their seats.  

Libby admits the West Midlanders will be dangerous with the ball during the opening exchanges, but insists Notts won’t be taking a backward step.

“They’re a strong batting team, but so far in the competition it’s been their bowling - particularly up-front – that’s done the damage," said the 26-year-old.

“They’ve got Fidel Edwards on loan from Hampshire, he’s been taking wickets at the start of the innings.

“We need to address that, but we’ve got the firepower to really do some damage in the powerplay overs.

“I’m definitely backing our lads to take them on and get us off to a flying start.”

A quirk of the Blast schedule has left the Outlaws with six clear days since their previous fixture against Leicestershire, before Friday's fixture is immediately followed by a trip to Lancashire. 

It’s a setup that suits Libby, who says a week of preparation has left the Outlaws ideally placed to throw everything at their opponents this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to this next two days – hopefully two full games, against strong opposition and in-front of sizeable crowds. It’s as good as it gets for a county cricketer," he said.

“Back-to-back games works quite well. You build up during the week, address anything you need to address and then hit the two games hard.

“That’s what we’ve done this week. We’ve prepped well as a squad. We’ve trained well and will take some momentum from that into this weekend.

“We’re two wins away from being able to say we’ve made a really good start. At the minute it’s not disastrous, but we’d have liked more wins.

"It puts importance onto this next couple of games. We need to make sure we play well in these, then look to peak towards the end of the group stages.

“As long as we keep improving as a squad, keep playing strong cricket and get better throughout the comp, that will put us in good stead for the knockout rounds.”

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There are four further opportunities to catch the Outlaws in T20 action at Trent Bridge this summer, with the next home game under the lights against Birmingam Bears on this coming Friday 2 August.

Secure your seats….