Riki Wessels has been elevated to the top of the Notts Outlaws order during the 2015 NatWest T20 Blast, but his approach to batting remains just the same; it’s all about hitting boundaries.

With Michael Lumb missing through injury during the tournament’s opening exchanges, Mick Newell took the view that Wessels, who scored 470 runs at an average of 42.72 during the 2014 competition, was the man most worthy of promotion.    

And with a full 20 overs in which to potentially make his runs, the reigning player of the year could perhaps be forgiven for reining-in his explosive approach.

But the former Northamptonshire man insists that nothing could be further from his mind.

“It’s been different not having Lumby up there at the top and last week not having Alex Hales around, but it’s nice to step up to the top of the order and try to score a few more runs,” said Wessels.

“A proper batsman would probably say the approach to batting at the top of the order is different.

“I don’t really think of it like that. For me it doesn’t really change.

“I generally try to find a bowler, a ball or an area that I can try to hit for four, whether it’s at the start of the innings or the middle.”

Wessels, already armed with overseas T20 experience in Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, enjoyed a successful inaugural stint in Australia’s Big Bash League during the close season, and the Sydney Sixer believes he returned from down under a better player.

“We’ve probably got a slightly stronger side in terms of batting depth here at Trent Bridge than at the Sixers, so it was crucial over there to lay the foundations.

“Having to do that, and learning to play with the bigger boundaries, it has improved my T20 skills.”

The next opportunity to put those skills to good use is Sunday’s NatWest T20 Blast encounter against Durham Jets.

Having lost to the north-easterners in championship cricket already this season, and having been scarred by a heavy defeat in the Royal London One-Day Cup Semi-Final in 2014, Wessels is wary of the opposition, but believes the return of Alex Hales is a significant boost to the Outlaws' chances.

“You saw what Alex did a couple of weeks ago to the Birmingham Bears,” Wessels said of his likely opening partner.

“We missed that last week, so it’s good to have him back. He really brings something important to the side. 

“He’s a standout player for us so it’s nice to have him back while we push for an important win.

“They are a strong side coming off a few good performances, including against us in the four-day game.

“They’re a tough team, they’re always there or thereabouts in every competition, so it would be nice to put one over them.”

The big-hitting influx to the Outlaws side ahead of Sunday isn’t confined solely to Alex Hales, with Darren Sammy set to commence his four-match stint with the county on Sunday.

And Wessels is expecting the West India big-hitter to shine as an Outlaw both on and off the field.

“He’ll bring a lot of humour, a lot of relaxation and the West Indians tend to enjoy their cricket quite a lot,” said Wessels.

“He’s been around the world, from a World Cup straight into the IPL and now into the T20 Blast.

“He’s got a lot to offer and when he goes he’ll leave us in a good position.

“He's already been speaking to some of the younger bowlers in the nets, giving them a few ideas.

“That’s what you want from an overseas player – not just coming in to perform, but also to leave the club in a stronger place, with greater knowledge and having helped make improvements.”

Notts Outlaws squad to face Durham Jets (from): Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Will Gidman, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Brett Hutton, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Darren Sammy, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor (Wicketkeeper), James Taylor (Captain), Riki Wessels and Sam Wood.

 

Notts Outlaws NatWest T20 Blast Fixtures & Ticket Information

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

Need more information? Call our ticket office on 0844 8118711.