Captain Haseeb Hameed is eager to pick up the baton of leadership again as Nottinghamshire return to Rothesay County Championship action.
Hameed’s Green and Golds, who are one point behind leaders and defending champions Surrey at the summit of Division One, face Hampshire at Utilita Bowl from tomorrow (Tuesday 22 July).
“We’re excited to get going again after the Vitality Blast,” said Hameed. “It’s an important couple of games in the Championship before we break again.
“I’m really excited. Hampshire are a good team, and the fact we’re away from home adds another level to it, but it will be a good challenge and one we’re looking forward to.
Hameed leads a squad of 13 for the trip to Southampton, with the group also including Kyle Verreynne, who returns following his World Test Championship triumph with South Africa.
“It’s a challenge that everyone has an understanding of a little bit more now,” said Hameed, when asked how his side go about the transition between red- and white-ball cricket.
“It’s been part of the schedule for a few years now, so I think it’s perhaps mentally a little bit easier than it was a while ago.
“But, that said, the challenge is still there, and you have to switch your mindset quickly to a longer format and be ready to compete at the same level, which can be tough.”
When it comes to his role as the squad’s skipper, Hameed is clear on how he wants to assist in the process of switching back to four-day focus.
“I think my role is to reiterate,” he explains. “It’s about reminding all of us what we set out to achieve at the start of the year.
“We want to re-focus our energy towards being able to achieve that, and, given we are in a privileged position now with five games left, that’s more important than ever.
“We’re really looking forward to being able to pick up where we left off, in that position, and make sure we can reach our goals.”
Notts’ push for a positive result at Utilita Bowl against seventh-placed Hampshire is bolstered by the ongoing inclusion in their squad of an old Rose and Crown favourite.
Seamer Mohammad Abbas claimed 180 wickets in 47 matches during the five years he spent on the south coast, and Hameed is confident his presence will stand Notts in good stead.
“He’ll absolutely be able to read the conditions very well and have a good understanding of what the pitch is looking like,” explained Hameed.
“Having him in our side will mean he can give us a steer on a few things, but more than that, he’s a high-quality performer, and has been for a number of years.
“Any experience he can share with us will be very valuable, for sure!”
As for Hameed himself, who has scored 848 runs at a weighty average north of 70 in the Championship this year, the focus on an individual level is clear.
“I’m just trying to keep things simple!” he smiled. “I’m always trying my best to contribute to the team in whatever way I can.”
“Ultimately, I’m always trying to put in performances that will win this team games of cricket, and that won’t change this week!”
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