Peter Moores believes his Nottinghamshire side can carry forward the momentum from two consecutive LV= Insurance County Championship wins as Trent Bridge readies itself to welcome spectators for the fixture against Worcestershire.
The Notts Head Coach has named an unchanged squad after Notts beat Essex by an innings and 30 runs in their most recent outing.
“We will take a lot from the last two games, particularly beating Essex who we know are strong, having been champions two years in a row,” says Moores.
“The momentum from that is very real, and gives energy and confidence to everybody.
“The key is now the to take the confidence from playing well, but to keep the hunger as though you haven’t got those results behind you in some ways. That way, you can maintain that same level of drive."
From commanding wins over Essex and Derbyshire to a heart-breaking defeat at home to Warwickshire, it has been a County Championship campaign punctuated by highs and lows.
Such a run of results will ultimately stand the Green and Golds in good stead, according to the Head Coach.
“We had a tough loss in that game against Warwickshire," he says.
"I often say to people that you can assess where a team is not just by how they win, but by how they take a loss.
"We took that loss really well, in that we knew we could have done certain things better and we learned from it.
"Our set-up is based on improvements. If you master something time after time, then winning is a by-product. We waited a long time for that win to come, but to get over the line away was great, as was the win at Trent Bridge.
"With this game coming up now we have another carrot, because the crowds are back. That gives us another layer of excitement which will be there for both teams."
The return of spectators is a hugely exciting factor for Moores, who was buoyed by seeing the recent return of fans to Wembley for the FA Cup final.
"Our set-up is based on improvements. If you master something time after time, then winning is a by-product."
Peter Moores
“The noise of the fans kept making me smile," he recalled.
"It was great to see the celebrations after the game, and the crowd cheering as they lifted the trophy. It just reminds you of what it’s like to have people in and around sport.
"That made me think, whilst it may not be a full house, the supporters we have will make a big difference to the atmosphere.
"We are in the entertainment business, so to see familiar faces back on the ground and enjoying cricket again will be great."
The game against the Pears comes after a ten day break, one which has been both a blessing for players and an opportune moment for the backroom team to look at the success elsewhere in the club
“I think the break has been great for the players," says Moores.
"The games keep coming thick and fast, so it’s really good to get a breather – especially for the bowlers; and it was also a chance for everyone to take stock of where we are this season.
“From a coach’s point of view it’s been even better, because we’ve had a chance to watch the Second XI. They are playing really well with a couple of lads who are trying to break into the first team."
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