The Ashes may have come and gone but cricket can’t be away from Trent Bridge for long.
After four more days on the road in the LV= County Championship, starting today against Warwickshire, the Outlaws return home on Friday in Friends Life t20 action.
New Zealand overseas bowler Ian Butler has been integral to the first period of matches for the Outlaws and can’t wait to get back in front of home support.
“We won last time at home and the fans were brilliant so we are hoping for a similar result this time out,” Butler said.
In their way this Friday are Durham, a team who were beaten when the two sides met before and currently sit at the bottom of the group.
“In that game it was our day with Michael Lumb producing a fantastic knock last time around and he deserved a ton.
“They are a quality team from top to bottom and you can never underestimate anyone in this competition.
“We just need to focus on what we do rather than examining anyone else’s game.”
The game starts a run of t20 matches which will decide the fate of the group and who will be in this year’s quarter-finals.
“We started the tournament really well, winning the first four and getting better with each passing game.
“Unfortunately we lost in our last fixture versus Leicestershire off the back of four hard days at Surrey which wasn’t ideal.
“Ideally you want any competition to go by without a loss and everyone in the team strives for that goal.
“We are reaching the business end of the season now.
“T20 is a really important competition and everyone in that group will be aiming for the quarters and we have to be ahead of them.
“A perfect run in would be five from five but we have to take things one game at a time and even in this format sometimes it could be a case of taking it one ball at a time.”
Butler’s stint with Notts is his third in English county cricket after time at both Gloucestershire and Kent.
“I have really enjoyed my time here so far getting to know everyone and they have all been really accommodating.
“This has allowed me to settle in well and the weather that is around at the moment is a bonus.
“It’s a different experience and one which I like, when you go around different clubs and get to know everyone.”
Butler came to the Outlaws off the back of the t20 series with England, but what is more impressive is his form with home side Otago Volts.
In the New Zealand t20 domestic competition, the Volts topped their group and will go on to play in the Champions League.
“I always play to win and that is an ethos I aimed to bring to the team on my arrival.
“The trophy win back home was good experience and I want to utilise all my skills to help the Outlaws team in any way I can.”
The Outlaws face the Dynamos on Friday with the game beginning at 6pm.
Read our free Friends Life t20 Event Guide here.
Click here to purchase tickets for Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge.
Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge
Friday 19 July Vs Durham Dynamos - 6pm TICKETS
Tuesday 23 July Vs Derbyshire Falcons - 6.30pm TICKETS
Friday 26 July Vs Yorkshire Vikings - 6pm TICKETS
Sunday 28 July Vs Lancashire Lightning - 2.40pm TICKETS
Buy In Advance & Save:
Adult tickets £13 / Under 16s and Over 65s £7 / Family ticket (2+2) £33
On the day prices:
Adult tickets £16 / Under 16s / Over 65s £16 / Family ticket (2+2) £40
Enjoy Friends Life t20 hospitality at Trent Bridge for £84 per person
Your package will include:
- Use of a private suite in the Radcliffe Road Stand with a balcony overlooking the field of play
- Nibbles served on arrival
- Hot main dish served in your suite 30 minutes before the start of play
- Cheese, biscuits and chutney during the interval
- Match scorecard
- Box host
- Car Parking 1:4