Alex Hughes says leading the Falcons to a NatWest T20 Blast victory over Leicestershire Foxes last night was one of his proudest moments of his career.
The 24-year-old captained the side in the absence of one-day Captain Wes Durston who was unavailable due to injury. Hughes claimed 1-22 and hit 27 on the night, while Jimmy Neesham returned 2-36 and hit 29 not out as the Falcons were victorious by four wickets at The 3aaa County Ground.
Hughes said: “I didn’t see it coming but I was very happy to take it on. Up there with my debut, it was the proudest moment of my career and to get the win as well was a dream come true.
“It was a bit fuzzy at the start. I was obviously a bit nervous but I got to grips with it. I think it helped that they were 31-4. I think there will be harder days in the field for me but I tried to keep my head and all the bowlers were absolutely fantastic.”
The only thing that was missing on the night for Hughes was the opportunity to be there when the winning runs were struck but his sixth-wicket partnership of 49 with Jimmy Neesham was crucial.
“I set my stall out for batting through. Luckily, we’ve been playing a lot of Twenty20 cricket in the second team, so I’ve been used to the situations, which I think helped,” he added.
“But it wasn’t about me finishing off. As long as we won the game I couldn’t care less. As long as we won, I was ecstatic.
“It did a bit under lights and we were in a bit of trouble. We didn’t play any rash shots and nicked off to a few good balls. That can happen but the way we regrouped and ended up winning the game is testament to the boys in our batting line-up.”
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