Calvin Harrison has gone back to basics to find success and shrugged off suggestions of pressure after playing a vital role in Notts Outlaws’ upturn in fortunes in the Vitality Blast. 

The 25-year-old is part of a 14-man squad for the fixture, with Jake Ball also in the party and Conor McKerr having returned to Surrey after making four appearances on loan.

Harrison, who is in his third season at Trent Bridge after initially impressing whilst on a short-term deal in 2021, was recalled to the Outlaws side for their win against Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston. 

He collected figures of 2-18 from two overs as his side defended 214, claiming the important scalps of Dan Mousley and Chris Benjamin. 

The Durban-born bowler then took 2-19 from three overs as the Outlaws overcame Lancashire Lightning on home turf to launch themselves back into the top four in the North Group. 

“It has been a bit disappointing not playing so I was definitely very happy to get the chance at Edgbaston and again at Trent Bridge,” he said. 

“I have been doing a lot of work in the nets to stay fresh so, going back into that environment, I didn’t put any pressure on myself to go and perform, I just tried to relax, play the game and get into the contest. 

“There is maybe, deep down, a sense of you wanting to do what is asked of you because you’ve been brought into a team to do a job, but, ultimately, all you are worried about is winning. 

“It comes down to backing your skills and delivering what is needed in the moment.”

Having found success in his first season with the Outlaws, finishing the third top wicket taker in the competition with 20, Harrison talked down suggestions of needing to reinvent the wheel to stay ahead. 

Whilst his unknown quantity may have diminished, his ability to deliver the skills which brought him joy in the first instance has, he says, improved, with the help of experience and support. 

“You want to keep things simple because when you do what works well, consistently, then you get results,” he said. 

“For me, this year, it has been a case of simplifying things back down to do what I do best, which is what I did well two years ago. 

“That is to keep backing the leg spinner, keep backing the balls that go away from the bat, whether to a right hander or left hander, and not trying to overthink what the batter is trying to do. 

“Just play the game to your plans, back your skills and execute them. If it doesn’t work, you can reassess, but come back with the next ball and execute whatever you set out to do again”

“That way of thinking comes with experience in the middle, but also working with the coaches we have got here. 

“Ant Botha in particular with my bowling, when you get really useful feedback once you come off, it feeds the belief and your confidence to out and deliver in the moment when it is necessary.”

The all-rounder, who made his first-class debut for the club in May and has been heralded for his unflappable nature, also revelled in being back amongst the T20 environment. 

Notts Outlaws play their fifth home game against Durham, before returning on 30 June against Birmingham Bears and 2 July against Leicestershire Foxes. 

“I love the atmosphere at Trent Bridge, especially in the T20 games,” he said, “It makes it all the more enjoyable to go out, put on a good performance, and win the game. 

“It is great to have the support we get, and especially the younger generation getting autographs after the game. 

“It is interesting seeing how much we can influence them. You hope that we can do our bit, spend 20 minutes at the end of the game with them, try to make their day and keep them coming back.”

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