Video: Jake Ball on confidence, playing two games in a day and family
Notts Outlaws will be looking to win the Natwest T20 Blast trophy at Finals Day tomorrow (Saturday 20 August) at Edgbaston.
The Outlaws play Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the opening semi-final at 11am and will then play the winner of Yorkshire Vikings and Durham Jets in the final later in the day.
All of the teams playing at Finals Day are from the north group which Notts topped.
Natwest T20 Blast Finals Day Schedule
Semi-final one: Notts Outlaws v Northamptonshire Steelbacks, 11am
Semi-final two: Durham Jets v Yorkshire Vikings, 2.30pm
Final: SF1 winner v SF2 winner, 6.45pm
England internationals Alex Hales and Stuart Broad are available for Notts with Andre Russell also returning for Finals Day.
Notts won their clash with the Steelbacks earlier in the year by six wickets at Northamptonshire, which was their first home T20 defeat of the season.
One of the Outlaws’ two defeats of the season came away at Durham, who play in the other semi-final, with the home game washed out.
Notts won their home fixture against Yorkshire Vikings with the away tie at Headingley rained off without a ball bowled.
The team is full of confidence
England international and Notts seamer Jake Ball is relishing the chance to play in his first T20 Finals Day.
He said: “The team is full of confidence going into Finals Day.
“The set-up of the day is similar to what you do when you come into cricket – you do tend to play back to back games so most of the players will be used to it.
“I’ve got Mum and Dad coming down and hopefully my brother can get the day off work as it’s also for them as they come and support us a lot.”
Video: Greg Smith on the buzz, the schedule and hopes
Batsman Greg Smith has been to Finals Day before and said it’s unlike any other day of cricket.
He said: “There’s just a real buzz and excitement around the club.
“I’ve been to Finals Day once before and it’s quite a strange day – if you win that you end up kind of walking round the Bullring in Birmingham and killing time before the final.
“It’s a strange but amazing day to be a part of; there will be a sell out crowd at Edgbaston and hopefully we can get a win for the boys.”
