Jack Haynes believes Notts Outlaws are hitting their straps at exactly the right time as the race for Vitality Blast quarter-final qualification heats up ahead of a potentially thrilling conclusion.

The Outlaws are currently four points - equivalent to just one victory - off the top four in the North Group, with just eight points separating the entire top seven.

Peter Moores’ side conclude their Blast campaign with a trip to Worcestershire Rapids on Thursday, 17 July, before returning to Trent Bridge to face Lancashire Lightning a day later at 6:30pm.

Secure your seats for the last Blast hurrah at Trent Bridge here…

For Haynes, there is an overarching feeling that the Outlaws have the wind at their backs, which he believes breeds confidence heading into a crucial week.

“I think the main thing we’ve done for the last couple of games, where we have played some of our best cricket, is to just focus on ourselves,” said the 24-year-old.

“We’ve focused on what we’ve been doing well and really looking to build that momentum, so hopefully we can take it into Thursday.

“Personally, it’s obviously been nice to contribute, but all my focus now is on the next couple of games and see if I can make more match-winning contributions.”

Haynes is no stranger to New Road, having begun his career as a Worcestershire player before joining the Outlaws ahead of the 2024 season.

He admits there is a personal connection to the ground that was his home for six years, but when it comes to the on-field action, there is no lack of clarity in his thoughts.

“It’s always nice to go back to a place that holds special memories, and it will be nice to see some of the supporters,” he said.

“But, that said, we’re there to do a job, to win the game, and hopefully keep our hopes of the quarter-finals alive, so I’m really excited.”

Haynes is also hoping that his experience of New Road, alongside that of seamer Dillon Pennington, who made the move to the East Midlands at the same time, can provide a positive influence.

“It’s obviously a familiar place, and I’ve played there a lot. Fingers crossed Dillon and I can contribute to the team in a good way,” he said.

“In terms of pitches, they’ve been pretty good there for the T20s this year, so it should be an exciting game of cricket!”

As the Outlaws bid to make the top four in an increasingly congested North Group, Haynes has particular praise for his entire team.

In particular, he notes how impressed he has been when multiple individual performances have fallen into place to bounce back and create victories.

“We’ve been a little bit hit-and-miss throughout, but I think when we have hit, we’ve been really good. It’s been a collective effort over the last couple of weeks,” affirmed Haynes.

“We’ve obviously played on pitches that have suited our spinners a little bit more, and I think we’ve adapted to that really well with the ball.

“The seamers have taken the pace off really nicely, and I think as a batting unit, we’ve scrapped hard to get to scores that we believe are above par or to chase scores down.”

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