Nottinghamshire batsman Michael Lumb believes that England have every reason to believe in their chances of retaining the ICC World Twenty20 Trophy.
Lumb is one of five Nottinghamshire players to be included in the 15-man England squad for the tournament which begins in Sri Lanka on Tuesday 18 September.
“There is a bit of pressure on us because we go to Sri Lanka as champions but we have a strong and talented squad and there is absolutely no reason why we cannot defend it.
“Other teams will be gunning for us as the title holders but if we play as well as we can then we should be right up there.” Samit Patel
“It means a hell of a lot to me to be selected because it has been a long road back after injury and a lot of hard work.
“This season has been great for me personally because I am really enjoying my cricket at Nottinghamshire and the move has worked out very well.”
Samit Patel also finds himself firmly in the England fold having been selected for the ICC World Twenty20 in addition to call-ups for the limited NatWest Series One Day Internationals and NatWest International T20s against South Africa.
“Having five Notts players in a 15-man England squad shows the strength in depth that Mick has put together here,” said Samit.
“I’m thrilled to bits to be in a squad for a major tournament. Broady, Swanny and Lumby have been there before and Alex Hales comes into it having shown that he’s a massive talent.
“Other teams will be gunning for us as the title holders but if we play as well as we can then we should be right up there.”
Patel, Broad and Swann will be unable to feature in any further cricket for Nottinghamshire this season. Alex Hales and Michael Lumb will miss the last two LV= County Championship matches of the season whilst James Taylor will make an immediate return to Trent Bridge and feature in all domestic cricket until the end of the season.