Ahead of Notts Outlaws’ final Vitality Blast game before a red-ball break, Jake Ball has lauded the value of momentum heading towards the competition’s business end.

He is included in an unchanged squad to face Derbyshire Falcons at the Incora County Ground. 

The Outlaws have won their last three games on the bounce, and sit atop the North Group table consequently. 

A win over the Falcons would move the hosts to 14 points, with 15 enough for qualification in 2022. 

“Those three games are really important, and we would clearly rather have won them,” Ball said,

“But Moorsey speaks a lot about speaking at the right time in tournaments like this, and the value of that.

“Each game we seem to be getting better and better, so hopefully that continues. If we keep putting the sort of performances in like we did against Durham then those results will keep coming and we’ll be in a good position at the end of the year.” 

Notts’ upturn in fortunes have coincided with Ball’s return to the side after the seamer recovered from a lower leg injury. 

He claimed figures of 3-28 from his four overs as Durham were defeated by 26 runs at Trent Bridge. 

“The injury is good, hopefully they are all behind me now and I can take a full part in this tournament. 

“It is really nice to be back out there again. I have been sitting up in the changing room watching, so it is nice when you get out there, and even more so when it is for a win. 

“We had it under control for most of the bowling innings, so it was nice to be out there and I always look to take the positive option, so it is nice when they come.” 

And for Ball, who graduated through the Notts’ Academy, a fixture against local rivals Derbyshire has an extra edge.

His side will be looking to stretch their undefeated streak against their neighbours to 15. 

“There is always that little bit more riding on a game against Derbyshire,” he said. 

“It is on Sky, and we have a few lads who enjoy putting on a show for the cameras, so we are looking forward to getting down there. 

“We have got a good record at their place over the last few years too, so hopefully we can use that to our advantage and come out with a win.”

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