Notts Outlaws return to FLt20 action tonight with a clash against local rivals Derbyshire Falcons, but will be going into the fixture without batsman Riki Wessels.

Wessels has found his season interrupted through a series of minor injuries, this latest being to his finger, ruling him out of Nottinghamshire’s fixtures against Durham, Leicestershire and Yorkshire in the Friends Life t20, as well as red ball outings at Warwickshire.

“It’s getting better,” he said.

“I managed to have a bat at Trent Bridge before the match against Durham, which felt good.”

Wessel’s presence in the nets ahead of the Outlaws match didn’t go unnoticed and it appears that he’s well on the way to returning to the side.

“Coming back depends on the result against Derbyshire,” said Wessels.

“I think that we’re one win off a quarter final. If we don’t manage to beat Derbyshire, then I’ll be pushing harder to try and get back in the side to play Yorkshire on Friday. 

“That said, if we secure the quarter final earlier, there will be more scope for taking my time to work my way back into the team.”

This is the latest in a number of injuries that Wessels has had to endure this season, keeping him out of the side for any prolonged period.  However, he has performed on his returns, and looks set to bounce back once more.

“In cricket, just like any sport, picking up injuries is part of the nature of the beast,” he said.

“It’s tough to sit back and watching a t20 game from the sidelines is very different to getting out there and playing.

Wessels added: “You notice little things, little changes that you wouldn’t see if you were playing.

“A lot of those things will have been picked up by the likes of Mick, and Wayne Noon as well, and they’re the ones who work on our game plans and approaches to each match.” 

The Outlaws’ successful campaign thus far sees them topping the FLt20 North group, and will go into the Derbyshire fixture knowing that a win will secure them a quarter final with fixtures still to play.

“Ensuring we’re in a quarter final as soon as possible has to be a priority, and we all want it to be here at Trent Bridge,” said Wessels.

“A home quarter final is excellent for the ground, and the club, it’ll bring a lot of fans and money into Trent Bridge.”

The Outlaws approached their opening fixtures in the competition with their side heavily weighted in favour of batsmen, but with Wessels’ injury, an opening has developed for a second spinner to be included and Graeme White proved immensely valuable in Notts’ win over Yorkshire, taking 2 for 18 off his four overs, as well as claiming a stunning catch.

It has changed the composition of the side a little, maybe leaving us a little lighter on the batting side of things,” said Wessels.

“We’re back winning games and we’re close to being in an excellent position to get that home quarter final."

 

Click here to purchase tickets for Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge.

Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge
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

Steak, chips and cricket: click here to enjoy informal hospitality for just £25

Read our free Friends Life t20 Event Guide here.