Peter Moores has been in professional cricket for 36 years. And yet, each time the timeless gates of Trent Bridge swing open to signal the start of another working day, Nottinghamshire’s Head Coach knows he’s experiencing something special.
The 56-year-old believes that, although the world’s third-oldest Test venue has undergone no shortage of development, nothing has taken away from its character.
“You only have to look at it to know it’s an iconic ground,” said Moores. “It’s a beautiful place to come and play.
“I’ve been lucky to play and coach at different places – but it’s got a feel about it, Trent Bridge.
“Some of the grounds that have changed have become quite built up, very efficient venues with quite a lot of concrete.
“Trent Bridge still feels very much like an English ground to me. It’s traditional. It’s got character.
“There’s the old pavilion, and it’s still big enough to know you’re playing for one of the biggest clubs in the country.
“It’s got a family feel about it. We all love it here.
“On our coaching staff, we’ve got Andy Pick and Paul Franks who have been here all the way through their playing careers, and some of us who came in later. To all of us, it feels like a special place to go and work.”
When walking the corridors of this famous arena, international cricket can never – it seems - be far from front and centre of mind.
Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club very much shares its spiritual and physical home with the international game. How could they not? It’s a scene of so much England glory.
With supporters turning out in their droves each time England are in town, players that aspire to higher honours across the board and a practice setup comparable to many a national side, it’s a more than natural co-existence.
“Every county would try to give its players an opportunity to train like they’re training for an international,” adds Moores.
“We’ve worked very hard to get a coaching team together and to provide facilities that are as good as anywhere.
“We’ve got to remember the players’ dreams. They want to play for Notts and win trophies for Notts, but they also want to play for England.
“Everyone that comes to watch us as well - at some point, if they loved the game and they played it – they will have dreamt of walking out for their country.
“Were lucky that we’ve seen some of our players go on and do that. That’s always fantastic for the club
“And at the moment we’ve got lads (Matthew Carter, Ben Duckett, Zak Chappell and Tom Moores) playing for the England Lions, which is exciting as well. Those sorts of experiences will only make them better.”
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