Jack Haynes has called for ruthlessness at a personal and collective level ahead of Nottinghamshire’s penultimate home Vitality County Championship game of the season against Surrey.
He is in a squad of 13 for the fixture which includes Farhan Ahmed, Rob Lord, and Kyle Verreynne, who could all make their First-Class debut for the club.
Calvin Harrison, meanwhile, misses the clash through injury.
Haynes has made 436 runs in his maiden First-Class campaign since joining the Green and Golds, including five fifties in his 14 innings.
His bar, though, is set high and that handful of milestones has failed to sate his appetite for runs.
“There is nothing better than walking off, feeling like you’ve made an impact, but I’ve probably not had as much of that as I’d like this year,” he said.
“I’ve contributed in patches, but not as much as I’d have liked to. I felt there have been a few opportunities to go on and make big ones which I’ve not done.
“I’ve reflected on that, and I’m working on that to be a bit more ruthless, and to put three figure scores together which win us games.
“It’s about working out how and why I am getting out. Without trying to overthink it, there are small details that you can reflect on - like your mindset at the time of dismissal - which I can change to make myself better.”
His runs could be crucial in the four-day run-in, with trips to Essex and Kent and the hosting of Warwickshire following the fixture against Surrey.
Notts are currently eighth in Division One, but only a full bonus point win away from overtaking fifth-placed Durham.
The sharpened focus provided by the current situation can help to bring the best out of the players, Haynes believes.
“There is absolute clarity over what we need to do, and the situation we are in,” he said.
“We need results and to get ourselves up that table. Obviously Surrey are a very strong side full of good players, and we know that. They are defending champions and are top of the table for a reason.
“But focusing on ourselves and what we can bring to the contest is more important. When you look in our dressing room, there is a lot of belief because of the players we have, and what ability there is.”
That ability includes the potential debutants, who, Haynes says, have the ability to make a difference if and when their time comes.
Verreynne joins with a First-Class batting average of 48.91 from 124 First-Class innings, while 16-year-old Ahmed has represented England Lions this summer.
Lord, meanwhile, has impressed in his short time at Notts, finishing as the Outlaws’ top wicket-taker in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
“Kyle is a fantastic player with a lot of experience, and he seems to have fitted in well with the group, even in a short time," Haynes said.
“I’ve enjoyed facing Farhan in the nets - it’s a good battle - he certainly doesn’t feel like a 16-year-old!
“He was talking about his GCSEs the other day and I couldn’t believe he’s just getting his results now. It feels like he’s been around a long time and he’s a very talented bowler.
“Lordy obviously bowled really well in the One Day Cup, he has pace and that’s his point of difference. If they get their chance, I’m sure they will make the most of it and relish the opportunity.”