Mitchell Hay has described Nottinghamshire and Trent Bridge as “where you want to be playing” as the County Championship title race heats up with three games to go.
New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Hay, 26, has signed a short-term deal covering the remaining fixtures of the 2026 season, and is delighted to be returning to the furnace of the four-day format.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into red-ball cricket again; I love four-day cricket,” said Hay. “I love the grind of it, and I love the battles that go on.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and playing my favourite format. I’m hugely excited by how Notts have been going, and we’ve got a really exciting few games ahead.
“It’s where you want to be - at the top of the ladder, fighting for a championship, and it’s hugely exciting to be part of the group.”
Hay is one of a 14-strong squad that has been named to take on basement side Hampshire at Trent Bridge this week, alongside compatriot and fellow Cantabrian, Fraser Sheat.
“It was my first time meeting everyone, apart from Fraser obviously,” he said. “It’s been cool to meet some new faces and meet the support staff as well.
“[Fraser] has been good; he’s been the sounding board for a lot of my questions, so I’m sure he’s sick of me now! We’re living in pretty close quarters, and it’s been cool to watch him play for Notts too.”
As many will know, Sheat and Hay are hardly the first Kiwis to wear the Nottinghamshire shirt, and the latter is proud to become the latest in a long and illustrious line.
“I had a look through, and there’s some pretty big names,” smiled Hay. “Sir Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, Chris Cairns, and then more recently, Will Young and Ish Sodhi.
“It’s hugely exciting to join that group of players, and add to what I guess is the New Zealand legacy at this club.
“I’ve followed from afar for a long time, and I admire the competition. I’m just looking forward to getting out there, competing and contributing in any way I can to the success of this group.
“They’re going really well, and I just want to keep trying to add to that, and bring my own taste of cricket to it.”