In a Notts Outlaws T20 career still only four games old - including one abandoned before he’d had the chance to bat - Ben Martindale is increasingly comfortable in his surroundings.
That feeling, he says, is both a mindset and a product of the Outlaws environment, while his opportunities at the top of the order have confirmed his belief that consistency will be rewarded.
The 22-year-old homegrown batter is included in a squad of 14 to face Durham at Seat Unique Riverside (Friday 12 July, 6.30pm).
Martindale has made appearances against Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lancashire thus far, having made his debut in a washed-out fixture against Durham at Trent Bridge.
His involvement is giving him extra belief in his own ability, while the part he played in the Falcons triumph gave him particular satisfaction.
“It’s a great feeling, being part of this group,” he said.
“I know personally that all the hard work I have done means I’m prepared - then it’s about you trusting your own ability and if you relax, the best part of you comes out.
“I’m at the point where it is enjoyable and I can have fun. I know I’m much more likely to succeed if I enjoy it rather than worrying or being tense.”
That enjoyment was apparent in the three fours he struck in a belligerent first outing against Derbyshire Falcons.
In the same game, he held onto a catch off the last ball of the game which secured an eight-run victory for Notts.
“You could sort of see the game was swinging to us, and every time we got a wicket I was getting more and more pumped,” he laughed.
“That last wicket, I didn’t know what to do. I was so excited, and that emotion all came out at once.
“Obviously, we haven’t quite gone how we would have wanted so far but that result, especially with it being against Derbyshire, was special.”
The excitement was exacerbated by the strong presence of the Trent Bridge faithful - the biggest difference, Martinadle says, having stepped up from Second XI cricket.
“I try to maintain some consistency and routine whatever game I am playing in. Playing in a packed stadium gets your heart pumping, but you can ride off that buzz," he said.
“The time I really noticed it was when I faced the first ball - you have to get used to people sitting in front of the sight screen. But then you zone in, and it is like playing any other game until you take a step back and look around again.
“You’re obviously coming up against better opposition but you relish that challenge as a player - It brings the best out of you.”
The left-hander also touched on representing his home county having graduated through the Notts pathway.
He is one of six in the squad to face Durham to have gone through the Green and Golds’ Academy.
Three more - Calvin Harrison, Matt Montgomery and Toby Pettman - have established themselves in professional cricket with Notts.
Martindale says his selection serves as a reminder that performances will be rewarded.
“Last year I had times when I was playing at my best for a while, so now I am trying to replicate that consistency," he said.
“Being in the team has shown me that if you put in the performances, you get the recognition. We might not be the most experienced group right now, but those who are picked get that nod having played a good amount of cricket and performed over a prolonged period.
“We have got a lot of potential within the squad, and we feel that we are going in the right direction on the whole.”
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