Derbyshire Falcons host their East Midlands rivals Notts Outlaws in the NatWest T20 Blast on Friday 24 June from 7pm, with a large crowd expected at The 3aaa County Ground.
The Falcons will be looking for a repeat of the fixture between the two sides at Derby in 2015, where the hosts racked up their highest Twenty20 score on the ground before securing a 34-run win to claim local bragging rights.
Travelling down the A52 with the rest of the Outlaws squad will be danger man Andre Russell, after his match-winning performance in Notts’ most recent victory over Worcestershire Rapids at New Road.
Russell and his teammates could be set to face two former Outlaws in the form of Andy Carter and Scott Elstone, both of whom have been named as part of Derbyshire’s 13-man squad for the fixture. Wes Durston remains unavailable due to injury.
72. Hamish Rutherford
1. Billy Godleman
4. Neil Broom
22. Chesney Hughes
77. Wayne Madsen
10. Scott Elstone
5. Jimmy Neesham
18. Alex Hughes
57. Shiv Thakor
20. Matt Critchley
23. Tom Poynton
36. Ben Cotton
7. Andy Carter
Notts Outlaws boast an array of talent throughout their NatWest T20 Blast squad, with West Indies star Russell, Australia all-rounder Dan Christian and former Zimbabwe international Brendan Taylor all in line to offer a threat to the Falcons on Friday night.
The match will be Russell’s last of a short stint as Notts’ overseas players for the tournament. The threatening opening pair of Riki Wessels and Michael Lumb have been in scintillating one-day form for their side in recent weeks, with several eye-opening and destructive partnerships at the top of the order.
Luke Fletcher, who spent time on loan at Derbyshire earlier this season, is also part of the Outlaws armory and will be particularly looking forward to going up against his long-term friend and former bowling partner, Andy Carter, who will face his old side for the first time this week.
“It isn’t just another game,” said Fletcher. “A lot of people want to put in performances against their rivals.
“I have always said I am grateful for the time I had there and the opportunity they gave me but I am back here at Trent Bridge, at my home club and wanting to put performances in.
“Whoever wins gains another advantage and moves up the ladder so obviously this is a crunch game for both us and Derbyshire as we will be both gunning for the two points.”
Notts squad: Dan Christian, Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher, Harry Gurney, Brett Hutton, Michael Lumb, Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Andre Russell, Greg Smith, Brendan Taylor, Riki Wessels, Sam Wood.
Click HERE to keep up-to-date with the game via our new Matchday LIVE page, sponsored by Showcase Cinemas de Lux.
You can also follow live updates on Twitter (@DerbyshireCCC) by using the #DERvNOT hashtag, plus updates will be available on Facebook throughout the match.
Supporters can also listen to live ball-by-ball commentary with BBC Radio Derby online HERE.
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
Notts Outlaws – Fri 24 June – BUY
Northants Steelbacks – Sun 3 July – BUY
Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 10 July – BUY
Lancashire Lightning – Wed 13 July – BUY
Worcestershire Rapids – Fri 22 July – BUY
