Having secured his maiden first team appearance of 2023 in the LV= Insurance County Championship, Matthew Montgomery is adamant the competition for places is driving the squad forwards.

The top-order batter is named in a 13-man squad to face Lancashire at Trent Bridge (Thursday 4 - Sunday 7 May, 11am start).

Montgomery was included in squads for a visit to Hampshire and the hosting of Somerset, before being named in the final XI at Lord’s in place of the injured Tom Moores.

Having finished 2022 with his maiden first-class ton against Durham, the top-order batter is once again raring to make the most of the opportunity presented to him, whilst embracing the challenge of fighting for a starting spot. 

“It is very unfortunate for Tom but, from my side, I have been very excited to get back into things and try to contribute to wins,” the 22-year-old said. 

“It has been a bit frustrating not to be in the team but such is the quality of the side. There have been some very tough decisions and that will be a common trend throughout the season, and that is what you need to win championships. 

“It is healthy, that competition for places. One thing it correlates to is the intensity of training sessions. Everyone is putting in their all and it is a very high standard. For me, as a young player, it is a really good environment to be in and that stems from the competition we have. 

“My priority now is doing my job when called upon, and if everyone manages to do that we’ll have a good season.”

The right-hander currently averages over 37 in red-ball cricket for the Green and Golds, and has enjoyed esteemed company at the top of the Nottinghamshire order. 

It is that talent within the ranks which is giving Notts the belief to succeed, and creating an environment in which Montgomery is thriving.

“We have got Duckett and Hass [Haseeb Hameed] who have both played for England, and Joe Clarke has been around at the top of the game for a while,” he said.

“It is a very good top five, and it helps to be around experienced players. I think it shows on the pitch that we are quite a mature side and we believe we can win from any position; that is the mindset that gets instilled. 

“For me, wherever I get put my job is to score runs. I have opened for the Second XI and batted three, four and five for the first team. It is not a big change in my eyes. It is just about knuckling down wherever I am asked to bat.”

He isn’t fazed, either, by the presence of one of the world’s best in the opposition's ranks this week. 

James Anderson has been named in the Lancashire squad, as the Red Rose seek to register their first win having drawn their first three games.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of Lancashire,” Montgomery said. 

“Every side in this division has good bowlers who are capable of causing damage, that is the reality, but you get used to it and ultimately enjoy it.

“It is exciting facing the best. If you can do well against them it shows you are further along than you might have thought otherwise. As a professional, you want to test yourself against those at the top of the game.”

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