Ahead of Notts Outlaws’ return to Grantham on Friday to face Middlesex, Head Coach Peter Moores has reflected fondly on the venue at which his side will bid to return to winning ways.

The Outlaws will face Middlesex in their first outing to the Lincolnshire venue since a dramatic two-wicket victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks one year ago.

Moores has named an unchanged 14-man squad for the fixture, which will be the first of two the Outlaws will play at Grantham this year as a tie with Durham awaits on Sunday.

“I’m looking forward to playing at Grantham again,” said Moores.

“We had a great game there last year when Dane Paterson got us home with a big six. The crowd were great, and they looked after us brilliantly.”

Moores is hoping that such rosy recollections will provide motivation for the Outlaws to impress as they look to overcome a defeat to Gloucestershire in midweek that ended their unbeaten start to the Royal London Cup.

Sol Budinger hit a career-best 89 from 56 balls, and Lyndon James chipped in with a battling 47, but a century from James Bracey kiboshed the Outlaws’ hopes of making it three wins from three.

However, the Head Coach notes that there were many pleasing elements to take from Bristol, and is backing his developing side to continue their cricketing educations.

“I thought Sol struck it beautifully, he played really nicely,” reflected Moores.

“I thought he was going to get his first hundred, and he’ll be frustrated that he didn’t get over the line, but he played really well.

“After that the way Lyndon negotiated and found partners in people like Brett Hutton, Zak Chappell, and Dane Paterson, that got us to a total that was above par.

“I think what we learnt [against Gloucestershire], was that once a side gets momentum in a 50-over game, it’s hard to stop them. That's a big learning for us, and one we can put into practice in a big game on Friday.”

In addition to Budinger and James, another Academy graduate, Ben Martindale, achieved plaudits in Bristol with his first-team debut, and Moores was enthused by what he saw.

The 19-year-old batted at number six for the Outlaws and bowled two overs, but it was in the field that the Head Coach was most impressed.

“Ben got in the team because he’s performed well in the Second XI and we’ve liked what we’ve seen. He’s a really good athlete, and he’s one of those full-on cricketers who can bowl, bat, and field,” he said.

“Bowling-wise, he came in and did what we wanted him to do in Bristol – he bowled wicket-to-wicket, he mixed up his pace, and fielded outstandingly – in fact, he was probably our number-one fielder.

“He’s been great around the group, and of course we’re always pleased when one of the academy lads comes through, especially when they’ve played good cricket beforehand and earned their chance.”

The transition from an international arena in Bristol to the Grantham outground in the space of 48 hours may appear stark at first glance, but Moores is unperturbed.

Though pleased with the grounds the Outlaws have had the fortune of opening their tournament on, the 59-year-old prefers a focus on the standards his squad set, regardless of the venue they may be presented with.

“One thing I would say is, in terms of grounds, we’ve had a good start to the tournament - we’ve played on three international main grounds in Trent Bridge, Taunton, and Bristol.

“From that point of view, that’s great, but looking at Grantham, nothing really changes, if I’m totally honest. It’s a fast-scoring ground, the outfield has good pace, and we expect the pitch will be good.

“You’ve got to play good cricket, whatever happens. The standard in the tournament is really good, from the names that are around. I think this tournament has stepped up, and we’ve played against some good teams.

“I expect Middlesex to be no different, it will be a good scrap. We know what we need to qualify, and we’ll be working hard to get us one step closer to that.”

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