Peter Moores hailed the Outlaws’ decision-making under pressure as Notts head into a must-win fixture against Lancashire at the John Fretwell Centre (Tuesday 22 August, 11am start).

Moores has named a 13-man squad for the fixture, with Calvin Harrison having been called up by Manchester Originals for the final week of The Hundred.

The Outlaws kept their qualification hopes alive courtesy of a nailbiting one-wicket win over Kent last week, in which Matthew Montgomery’s unbeaten 92 was the key contribution.

“You’re always looking for young players to have those opportunities to make decisions under pressure, and he kept making the right calls on Thursday,” said Moores of Montgomery.

“It’s a great compliment to be the not out batsman in a chase like that.

“Chasing one of the hardest things to do in cricket. Regardless of the target, it always becomes tough for the batter as the end of the game comes into view.

“But it was an outstanding innings, and it kept us alive in the tournament.

“Matt played really well in the 50-over tournament last year, then gained great experience in the Blast this summer, so he’s now maturing into a really good white-ball player.”

Montgomery had Dane Paterson for company in the latter stages of the chase, as the pair knocked off the 35 remaining runs required with a ball to spare.

But Paterson had to rein in his attacking instincts to help his side over the line.

“Dane came in and was calm, and played a great role as the senior man out there,” said Moores.

“He tempered himself a bit, really. We know he’s got this extraordinary record of hitting First-Class sixes, but he waited for the right moments to attack and he hit straight.

“It wasn’t like we only needed 10 or 15 when he came in – we needed 35, and Monty wasn’t going to be able to do it alone.”

Notts need victory over the visitors and results to go in their favour elsewhere to progress – with defeat for Kent against Hampshire also required if Haseeb Hameed’s side are to make the quarter finals.

With Lancashire in a similar situation, Moores feels that a mouthwatering contest awaits.

“Welbeck’s a really good venue, and both sides have that great incentive of needing a win to progress,” he said.

“You always want games to have something on them for the players, so it’s exciting.

“Lancashire are trying to find some form, and we’ve had some ups and downs before we bounced back against Kent, so it’s set up really well.”

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