Twenty20 cricket is now just around the corner, with Notts Outlaws set to open the NatWest T20 Blast with the tournament curtain-raiser against Lancashire at Trent Bridge on May 16.

Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor has an extra cause for excitement this summer, the recently announced limited-overs captain is now only weeks from his debut leading the side in the game’s shortest format. 

"It’s going to be interesting, it’s not as if I’ll be eased in gently with 50-over matches, they come later on in the summer,” he said.

“I’m confident in my abilities, I’ve captained the Lions in places like Sri Lanka, and I’m looking forward to the extra responsibilities this summer.

"The added bonus of having Stuart Broad available will lift us even more, he’ll be an excellent addition for us.”

The rebrand of the tournament to the Natwest T20 Blast will see a succession of Friday night fixtures at Trent Bridge under the floodlights, a step away from what had become a traditional block of matches in July.

“It’ll be more difficult for the players, we’re normally used to playing twenty20 fixtures in a block, so the spread of fixtures will be a new challenge,” said Taylor. 

“That said, the best players will shine through no matter when they play their games.”

Taylor excelled for Nottinghamshire last summer, playing maturely across all formats and saw his reward in his new captaincy. Despite stressing the importance of the four-day game, he admitted a special place in his heart for 20-over cricket. 

“There’s always an excellent atmosphere at Trent Bridge, especially for Twenty20 matches,” he said.

I like the idea of big groups coming down to Trent Bridge in the evening, before heading into West Bridgford or town, and using it as part of their night out.

“It would be great to play in front of 10,000 fans.”

 

Notts Outlaws v Lancashire Lightning Friday 16 May - 6.30pm

Adults £10* / Under 21s £7* / Over 65s 7* / Under 16s £5*

Worcestershire Rapids Friday 23 May - 6pm 
Durham Jets Friday 30 May - 6pm 
Birmingham Bears Friday 13 June - 6pm 
Derbyshire Falcons Friday 20 June - 6pm 
Yorkshire Vikings Saturday 28 June - 2.30pm 
Leicestershire Foxes Sunday 20 July - 2pm

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Adults £14* / Under 21s £10* / Over 65s £10* / Under 16s £7* Families (2+2) £35*

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