Club captain Haseeb Hameed has called on his Outlaws squad to seize the opportunity presented by a ‘fresh start’, as Notts are set to commence their Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign at Grace Road.

The Outlaws take on defending champions Leicestershire Foxes in their opening group stage fixture on Wednesday, beginning at 11am.

Hameed leads a squad of 14 for Wednesday’s opener, with Matt Montgomery, Lyndon James, Jack Haynes and Tom Moores amongst those added to the group which travelled to Lincoln.

“Every time we’re at the start of a new competition, it feels like a fresh start,” Hameed said.

“There are naturally a few changes to the squad; a few of the boys from the T20s are off to play The Hundred, which gives opportunities to some of our other lads to stake a claim for a place in the first team.

“It’s a great chance for us to get together and do something special with this squad.

“We’ve got a number of players who are more than capable of playing in this team and doing a great job.

"Sadly some players will miss out at times, but that’s the nature of the game.

“We’ve got a good squad and a great blend of experience and youth, so our objective first is to gel together and win games of cricket.”

The prospect of playing a final on home soil is also an undeniable appeal for those set to be involved with the 50-over campaign. Going all the way to a Trent Bridge final on Sunday 22 September is all the motivation Hameed’s squad needs.

“Getting there is always the aim,” he said, “Being able to play a final in front of a home crowd would be something really special, but we know we’ve got to play a lot of cricket before we can put ourselves in that position. 

“Ultimately we need to commit to a way of playing; we had a really good chat yesterday so tomorrow’s game at Leicester is all about putting that conversation into practice.”

The skipper also recognised that the competition provides the ideal environment for Notts’ younger contingent to thrive, with regular first-team cricket within reach for those who are ready to impress.

Rob Lord, Freddie McCann and Farhan Ahmed are among those seeking their maiden List A outing this summer, with the likes of Montgomery and Liam Patterson-White having benefitted from extended runs of 50-over cricker in previous summers.

“We’ve seen over the last couple of years a few of the lads have really taken the opportunities they have been presented,” Hameed said.

“That chance is there for younger players, but it’s still a really competitive squad. There may be lads who feel they are ready to play but don’t get in the squad, which shows the strength that we’ve got.

“If and when they’re given their opportunity, it’s a great chance for them to put their hand up and put their names out there by performing. We’ve seen some lads do that successfully over the last couple of years and hopefully a few more do it this time.

“We’re now ready to go in the 50-over competition and I’m very excited; it’s always a privilege when you get to lead your team out. We’ve got a great group of players, it’s an exciting competition for us all and we’re really looking forward to playing some good cricket.”

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