England international Chris Woakes is gutted to be missing out on the early stages of NatWest T20 Blast, especially the opening match between Birmingham Bears and Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.

The all-rounder missed England’s recent series in the West Indies with a foot injury and is likely to be unavailable throughout May after keyhole surgery on a knee problem picked up during rehab.

He is unavailable for selection for the upcoming New Zealand Test series as well as missing the early stages of Birmingham’s title defence.

“I was really looking forward to the launch game at Trent Bridge as there is always a good atmosphere and they are a top quality side,” the 26-year-old said.

“The atmosphere is all to do with the people they get in the ground week in week out meaning it is usually a big game when we go there, so naturally I’m gutted to be missing out on such a big game.

“I have had good and bad games at Trent Bridge but in general I really enjoy going there.

“The wicket you get for a one day game at the ground is normally a good cricket wicket with high scores, which makes for exciting cricket.”

The Bears won the tournament in 2014, which wouldn’t have been possible if the Outlaws hadn’t beaten Yorkshire to send them through to the quarter-finals.

And Woakes knows that his side has a tough challenge if they are to overcome a powerful Notts squad on Friday.

“We look at Nottinghamshire and think they have the squad that could go all the way,” he said.

“You look at their squad and you are always a bit scared as they have a great balance. It will certainly be a big challenge for the lads to beat them.

“They have power players such as Hales and Taylor, and a good bowling attack in the likes of Gurney, Patel and Fletcher.

“Unfortunately for them over the past few years they haven’t progressed beyond the quarter-final stage, but I think they will be a tough side to beat, along with a lot of others in the competition this year.

The NatWest T20 Blast will welcome a number of star names over the summer including the likes of Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum.

And Woakes hopes that the younger players can learn from the overseas exports, increasing the quality of cricket at the same time.

 “The tournament overall should be of the highest quality with the likes of McCullum, Gayle and Sangakkara coming over,” he said.

“All these names can only be good for the English domestic game and I think it will be an exciting summer ahead, starting with Friday’s game at Trent Bridge.”

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

v Birmingham Bears - Friday 15 May 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Yorkshire Vikings – Friday 22 May 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Durham Jets – Sunday 31 May 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 5 June 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Saturday 27 June 2.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 3 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS
v Derbyshire Falcons – Friday 10 July 6.30pm BUY TICKETS

Season tickets include access to all seven group stage home fixtures and a rain guarantee.

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