For Colin Munro, the opportunity to join Notts Outlaws for the Vitality Blast simply made sense.

There is, of course, the fact that Trent Bridge is a run-scoring paradise for the Kiwi – he has scored 306 at 61.20 here in T20 cricket, including 206 in The Hundred in 2022.

Indeed, there are 32 grounds at which Munro has played four or more innings in the format, but nowhere does he average more than at Nottinghamshire’s historic home.

There is also the chance to join up with teammates, many of whom he became familiar with through his time as a silverware-securing member of Trent Rockets, and to play for a team deploying a familiar style of cricket.

“I want to come in and add some experience to a well-oiled machine,” Munro said.

“The boys have played some exceptional cricket and I’ve been fortunate, and unfortunate, to play against the Notts boys over the last couple of years.

“Olly Stone is a new one who comes in this year, with some good pace. [Jake] Bally has good skills up front and at the death, and there is plenty of spin to go with it.

“They go out there to play in the right way; take the game on, be aggressive and that’s the way I like to play my cricket too, so it’s an exciting year ahead.”

Playing in front of the Outlaws’ following provides an added cause for excitement for Munro, who, despite having featured in franchise cricket around the world, particularly enjoys playing in England.

“At Trent Bridge, the crowd is so vocal, it’s like having a 12th man on the field with you. You’ve got people behind you cheering your name and the team.”  Colin Munro

The 35-year-old appreciates the role the Trent Bridge faithful will play in pushing his new team on.

“The Blast is a good standard of cricket; you get tested on different kinds of pitches in different areas of the country,” he said.

“It’s great for the family to come over too, set yourself up in one place like Notts and then travel around the country to games. It’s really attractive in that regard.

“At Trent Bridge, the crowd is so vocal, it’s like having a 12th man on the field with you. You’ve got people behind you cheering your name and the team.

“It is awesome whichever side of the field you’re on. It’s just a great atmosphere.”

The top-order batter also embraces a responsibility to pay back to the game, having received so much from it over a 16-year career.

“It’s massively important to inspire the youngsters,” Munro admits.

“I’ve got two young kids too; they get autographs from players in different teams and they’re absolutely fizzed.

“They remember the names; especially the ones who take the time to acknowledge them, ask their name and check to see if it’s their first game of cricket.

“To try and do that, and even if it’s one or two people who you leave a lasting impression with, it goes a long way with that little boy or girl and hopefully gets them into the game to try and be a professional player.”

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Outlaws Season Tickets

Notts Outlaws will go toe-to-toe with the country's finest in short-format cricket in 2023, with seven Vitality Blast fixtures set to take place upon Trent Bridge's hallowed turf, and a further four home clashes in the One-Day Cup. 

Secure your pass to watch Notts vie for silverware here...