The first East Midlands derby showdown of the summer kicks off tomorrow night, and Benny Howell, a newcomer to the fixture, can’t wait for a taste of it.

“Obviously, you want to play in the games that mean a lot to the fans,” said Howell. “It’s a big rivalry, and it’s really exciting to take part on a Friday night when the weather’s good.

“I’m excited by the idea of getting that first win! I know we haven’t had the ideal start, but I think the boys are in a good mood, so we’ll be ready to go tomorrow night.”

Howell is included in an unchanged 14-strong squad to make the Outlaws’ shortest away trip of the summer, just 17 miles to the west.

The all-rounder has enjoyed a productive start to his career in Notts green, and struck 30 from just 13 balls on his debut at Trent Bridge.

“It’s always nice to get a good start personally, but obviously, my ultimate aim is to come here and win,” he said.

“I’m still enjoying it, which is great, but we just need the results to change, and there’s no better time to get that first win than Friday night.”

Howell is also expecting virtually ideal conditions for a classic based on his conversations with his fellow Outlaws about what Derby will offer, despite being set to make his Blast debut at the venue.

“I’ve only played at Derby in four-day cricket, when Gloucestershire played Derbyshire a number of years ago, so I haven’t actually played a T20 game there,” he explained.

“I’ll have to speak to the boys and see what it’s about, but it’s a decent wicket there so we’ll see what we get when we arrive.”

The 37-year-old’s conversations with his new teammates have, unsurprisingly, extended beyond just conditions at their nearest rivals’ home, and he notes how well he has been welcomed in.

 “Mooresy [Tom Moores] keeps to me, so we have a few chats about cricket, and we think a lot about the game, but generally I’ve fitted in with everyone well,” he said.

“Everyone is really easy to get on with, and ultimately, we want to win and we want to get better, so both of those are right up my alley.”

He makes particular note of his new captain, though explains the ease of working alongside him was made better by a pre-existing relationship from elsewhere.

“Clarkey [Joe Clarke] was at Birmingham Phoenix with me in The Hundred last year, so I knew him well before I signed,” said Howell.

“He trusts me with what needs to be done with the ball, and the boys respect him, so I think we’ve just got to perform individually, and the results will come from that.”

As Howell bids to help the Outlaws to their first win of the Blast campaign, he is clear about where their focus needs to be.

“You have to move on quickly,” he affirmed. “There’s no point in thinking about the past, and it is a cliché, but all you can do is win the next game.

“We’re firmly focused on Friday night, and hopefully we can get a win on the board there.”