Nottinghamshire’s Chair, Andy Hunt, hailed the "inspirational" roles played by Samit Patel and Jake Ball as Trent Bridge said farewell to two of the longest serving members of the playing squad. 

During tea on the second day of the final LV= County Championship game of the season against Middlesex, Nottinghamshire presented the pair with commemorative gifts to recognise a combined service of over 37 years to the Green and Golds. 

Hunt was quick to highlight how the current crop of academy players look up to the senior members of the team, like Patel and Ball, to shape their own path to cricketing success. 

“They are two local lads who I was lucky enough to play against in local league cricket, and two different guys,” Hunt said.

"Samit arrived at the club aged 13/14 as almost a fully formed county cricketer, and he has been that ever since, whereas we saw Jake playing for Welbeck and the Academy, and watched him become incrementally better every year, taking on every challenge.

“They are inspirational. We are lucky enough to have a really strong group of players in the Academy now, and if you ask them who they look up to, it’s guys like them. When you look at who is here to support them today, ex-players, family, friends – they should be very proud.”

Remembering three decades of a Notts career which began when he signed his first professional contract in 2002, Patel paid tribute to the support he had been given during his time with the club. 

“It’s been a pleasure to call this place home for the last 22 years,” he said.

“Thank you to all the supporters, Mick, the club, family and friends – I can’t thank them all enough. The crowd have always been my 12th man, spurring me on in those crunch moments and we look forward to those Friday nights under the lights.”

Jake Ball, who was named in the team for the final time against the Seaxes, was equally reflective.

“It’s an emotional one, having been here for 15 years,” he said, “there are just too many people to thank.

“Hopefully we’ll get the win and then can celebrate Friday, Saturday and Sunday!”

Stuart Broad will also bid farewell to the Nottinghamshire faithful at Lunch on Friday 29th September after he announced his retirement from cricket earlier this summer.

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