Notts Outlaws batsman Alex Hales hopes to build on his international form when he lines up against Durham Dynamos in Friday’s Friends Life t20 match at Trent Bridge (play starts 6pm).
Hales was bowled out one run short of his hundred but walked away with the highest ever score by an England player in a NatWest International T20.
He couldn’t hide his disappointment throughout his trudge back to the pavilion, but with the dust settled, he now takes some pride in his achievement.
"I was thrilled and gutted at the same time because I wanted to convert to a hundred and be there at the finish line.” Alex Hales
“I was blanking out everything that people were saying for a good few minutes after my knock,” said Hales.
“Jonny Bairstow told me I should be happy with 99 and now I’ve reflected on it I am.
“It was mixed emotions for me. I was thrilled and gutted at the same time because I wanted to convert to a hundred and be there at the finish line.”
The usual mix of congratulations and gentle mickey-taking greeted Hales on his return to the Nottinghamshire dressing room. He sat out of Wednesday's training with a minor calf strain but will open alongside Michael Lumb in Friday's match at Trent Bridge.
“The jokes are flying around with the Notts lads,” said Hales.
“I’m regularly asked if I want a flake with my 99 but I’d be disappointed if it was any different. We all have good days and bad days and you have to have a strong chin and take the banter.
“Hopefully that innings can help my form with Notts and I want to have a solid couple of months.
“It was awesome to do well at Trent Bridge because the atmosphere is always great here during twenty20 matches. I’m looking forward to the Durham match and hopefully we can entertain the crowd with a win.”
Click here to visit the Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 microsite and view the Put Some Colour In Your Cricket campaign video.
Support Notts Outlaws in Friends Life t20 action at Trent Bridge:
v Durham Dynamos - Friday 29 June 6.00pm BUY TICKETS BUY INFORMAL HOSPITALITY FOR JUST £25
v Lancashire Lightning - Tuesday 3 July 6.10pm BUY TICKETS
v Yorkshire Carnegie - Thursday 5 July 7.00pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes - Sunday 8 July 2.40pm BUY TICKETS
Ticket Offers - Call 0844 8118711 9.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday
Under 16s Season Tickets £22
Under 21s Season Tickets £32
Groups of 10 or more adults: £10.40 per ticket (must be purchased by 4pm the day before each game)
Groups of 8 juniors and two adults: £69 (must be purchased by 4pm the day before each game)
Ticket Prices - Click here to buy online
In advance (available until 4pm the day preceding each game): Adults £13 / Under 16s £7 / Senior Citizens £7 / Family (2+2 £33)
On the day: Adults £16 / Under 16s £8 / Senior Citizens £16 / Family (2+2 £40)
FRIENDS LIFE t20 GROUP STAGE REFUND POLICY AT TRENT BRIDGE:
If no result is obtained then you will be entitled to use your match ticket for entrance to any other Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 group match, Clydesdale Bank 40 group match or a day of LV= County Championship cricket at Trent Bridge in 2012.
If play is restricted to 9.5 overs or less and there is no result then you will also have the option of a full refund.
This policy applies to paid-for match tickets only and refunds must be claimed by Friday 14 September 2012.