Matt Carter has put the Vitality Blast triumphs of the Notts Outlaws’ spin department down to meticulous preparation as he harbours hopes for further success against Leicestershire Foxes at Trent Bridge.

Carter, Samit Patel and Calvin Harrison have taken 28 wickets between them in the campaign thus far, playing a crucial role in Notts’ current run of seven games unbeaten.

With 33 overs each under their belts, Carter and Patel also boast the best economy rates of any bowlers to have taken ten or more wickets in the competition so far.

“It’s our hard work and practice that makes us successful,” Carter said.

“We prepare well for games by sitting down with Kunny [Kunal Manek, Performance Analyst] to talk about each batter and where they are strong.

“We have an idea of where they might want to hit it and can set our fields accordingly, and bowling to that plan helps us to be effective.”

Carter admits Notts bolstering the slow bowling depth with the addition of Harrison this year has not only served to help captain Steven Mullaney, but also aided the sharing of knowledge and self-belief.

“Having three spinners gives Mull an extra option, which is always helpful, and can take some pressure off others,” said the 25-year-old.

“Before matches, we talk about where batters might look to hit against us, and we discuss what we will do as a trio.

“Before Calvin arrived, Samit and I took pride in taking five wickets between us in games, and, now there is three of us, we feel like we can get through six or seven of the opposition.”

The Outlaws will be vying for victory off the back of an unusual four-day break in the competition, having most recently felled Lancashire Lightning.

Thursday’s match poses a new challenge in Leicestershire, a side the Green and Golds are yet to meet in 2021.

“It’s been nice to have a little rest. It has given us a chance to get out heads away from the game a little bit before getting back in the flow,” said Carter.

“We haven’t played against Leicestershire yet, so we haven’t had the chance to look at what they do in person, but we know what they are about and have played them plenty of times.

“You can see we are on a run, and that gives us confidence. We have won some games comfortably, but we haven’t fully played our best cricket, and when we do, we will blow teams away."

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