When Lyndon James strode to the crease on the final day against Durham, there was a lot on his shoulders. 

With the Green and Golds up against it at 88-3 in the 27th over, James had the task of batting out the best part of 60 overs.

It was a mission the youngster rose to with aplomb, countering the Durham bowling unit with an unbeaten 79 by the time the decision was taken to shake hands on a draw. 

The performance was particularly pleasurable for James as an academy graduate.

“Whenever you play at Trent Bridge it is special, having watched from the stands when I was younger," he said.

“It is even better when you have someone like Patto [Liam Patterson-White] there. We have been in every team together through the age groups, and it is something we wanted to tick off, playing in the first team together, so it’s nice to say we have done that.”

But whilst diamonds are made under pressure, they are not formed overnight; the right-hander’s innings was the result of strenuous winter graft.

“I worked hard on a few technical bits over the winter. I talk a lot about rhythm and tempo, and they both feel quite good”, the 22-year-old said.

“I have transferred what I wanted to from the nets to outside. I’ve tried to keep myself level and that has massively helped.”

The company of two seasoned professionals did much to help James, who was raring to go when he got to the middle, and forged a mature game plan. 

“Ben Slater was brilliant, especially at the start. I wanted to get into the fight when I got to the crease, but he calmed me down very well," he said.

“We spoke about taking it over by over, setting the smallest of targets. That seemed to work quite well. It kind of set the tone for me for the entire day.

“By the time Mull [Steven Mullaney] came out, I was in a decent head space anyway. The process was similar, going over-by-over and staying as calm as possible.”

Wielding the bat is not James’ only responsibility though, and with Brett Hutton and Jake Ball off the field with injuries against Durham, it was left to the right-hander to fill the bowling void.

“I was really happy with how I bowled on the first day, my rhythm felt good. It was frustrating the next morning when we couldn’t get the wickets quickly but that happens sometimes,” he said. 

The focus has now turned to the next game against Warwickshire on Thursday at Trent Bridge, and when it comes to preparation, clarity is key for James.

“I bowled 30-odd overs against Durham, so I need to be mindful of not doing too much physically before the next match," he said.

“I talk to Shiney [Kevin Shine], and we have 15-20 minutes of solid prep work that I know works for me, and which puts me in a good headspace. I put as much quality into my training as I can with bat and ball."

James believes it is only a matter of time until Notts pick up that much-sought-after victory, and he wants be at the heart of that success. 

“We need to try and get that win on the board that we have been looking for, and that we deserve. We have put in some good performances recently and not got over the line," he said.

“Personally, I just want to keep putting in decent performances which get us in winning positions, and the rest will take care of itself.” 

*******

Tickets to witness Notts Outlaws’ defence of their Vitality Blast title in 2021 are now on general sale.