Peter Moores says Notts Outlaws will aim to entertain the Trent Bridge masses at this year’s Vitality Blast, as they complete their preparations for a T20 opener under the Firday night lights against Northamptonshire Steelbacks.
The Outlaws, under new leadership in talisman Joe Clarke, name 14 players in the squad to face the Steelbacks on Friday at 6.30pm, with The Blaze opening the day with a Charlotte Edwards Cup clash with Central Sparks at 2.30pm.
World Cup-winner and Outlaws record run-scorer Alex Hales and New Zealand bowler Ben Lister are included in the squad.
The Outlaws have qualified for the quarter-finals in 11 of the last 13 campaigns, in no small part thanks to the home record and Trent Bridge faithful.
“We like to put on a show,” Moores said.
“We’re here to entertain and do that in a certain style, which is what we’ve done over the years at Trent Bridge.
“We also love how diverse the crowd is; you’ve got the traditional members, families, kids, and big groups who are on a night out. Seeing all those kids getting autographs at the end of the game gives you that feeling that we’ve had some fun, and that we’ve entertained those who have made the effort to support us.”
Having returned from their latest County Championship fixture in Worcester on Monday evening, the switch in format to white-ball has - as always - offered very little preparation time.
Moores, however, feels that the pace only adds to the excitement and anticipation for the start of the white-ball season, which will look different for the Outlaws in more ways than one.
“We don’t get a lot of time to do the actual prep,” he said.
“We’ve had to cram in our preparation but by the same token, we’re well used to that.
“It’s exciting this year because we have quite a few new faces around, plus some players coming through the system who have waited for their chance and will get that, and we also have the overseas signings in Will Young and Ben Lister.
“We’ve just played eight weeks of red-ball cricket - which has been physically quite demanding on the squad - and we have some lads who don’t get into that red-ball team. That changeover freshens things up; for the whole squad it’s a new start and a fresh chance to get into that team.
“The games come thick and fast so you have to move out of the blocks well, but everyone is up for it,” he added, “especially as we start at home. We love playing at Trent Bridge in front of our own fans, and on a Friday night as well.”
In the three days that have followed Notts' return from New Road, shackles have been removed and cobwebs blown away.
“We always start with batters going to the range to belt it - to get back into the swing of a different style of cricket - while bowlers start to practice their specifics,” Moores said.
“Yesterday we had our squad meeting when we talked about our style and how we want to play our cricket. Notts have a clear way of playing T20, so we explained how that works for the new players.
"Like for all plans, we like to keep things really simple, and last night was a chance to put some of that into practice, do some scenario work and really start to formulate our plans."
Wednesday evening saw the Outlaws host their traditional pre-Blast barbecue, with partners and families all invited. The event has its importance to Moores and the coaching staff, who know the value team bonding can bring to a ruthless summer schedule.
“T20 lends itself to that kind of evening,“ Moores said.
“To get some of the partners and families around at practice last night was great. We run it ourselves, and that way we can practice, we can get together afterwards and the newcomers have a chance to get a feel for everybody in the squad.
“The way the tournament works, when we’re in those pressurised situations, the atmosphere we’ve generated as a club can really help players in those moments.”
With a fresh campaign comes new beginnings, none more so than for run-machine Joe Clarke, who will captain the side for the first time tomorrow night.
“He’s buzzing for it - I’ve been really impressed with him in the build-up as he’s been so calm,” Moores said of the top-order batter.
“We know the kind of player he is; he’s dynamic, he’s full-on and knows exactly what he wants from his team, but his approach so far has been really calm and relaxed, which I think really fits T20 and has helped other players relax.”
Explosive New Zealand talisman Will Young will switch his whites for the green and gold of Notts for the first time - already an experienced international white-ball batter - while fellow Kiwi Ben Lister will also get his first taste of donning the Outlaws crest under the Trent Bridge lights.
“Will’s really excited because he hasn’t played as much T20 recently as he’d like,” Moores admitted.
“He’s been in the Test squad and the ODI squad for New Zealand, but to play in a domestic T20 competition outside of New Zealand I think he’s really looking forward to.
“We’re excited because we think he’ll be great fit for our team. He’s a very calm character who will be really good in tight situations, and above all he’s a skilful batter.
“Ben Lister had his first run-out with us last night,” he added, “and he looks really great. He’s settled in really quickly, he has a really good skill set for T20 too.”