LINDE: WE WANT TO KEEP THE MOMENTUM ROLLING

George Linde says Notts Outlaws are aiming to pick up where they left off when the side return to Vitality Blast action against Kent Spitfires on Friday (7pm).

It will be the first time the Outlaws have made the near 400-mile round trip to Canterbury for a T20 match, and only the second time in history that the sides have met in the shortest format.

“We want to carry forward the momentum that we built in the last three games before the break and keep going,” declared Linde.

“The team had a really good win down in Essex earlier this week, so with some of those boys now coming back into T20 cricket, we’ll be looking to carry that forward.”

Seven members of the squad who were victorious in Chelmsford - taking Notts back to the summit of Division One in the County Championship in the process - are included for another long trip.

Linde takes his place among them, with the addition also of recently-signed Mohammad Amir, who comes in for James Hayes from the last encounter before the break against Durham.

“Kent have a really good squad with good players, and we know it will be a challenge, but we focus on ourselves,” explained Linde.

“If we do the things that we do well, we’re confident that we can get a positive result from the game, and keep that moving forward.”

Despite the lack of experience that the Outlaws have in the Garden of England, Linde himself knows the venue better than most.

The South African spent two summers in 2022 and 2023 in a Spitfires shirt as their overseas player for this competition, and has valuable insight to share.

“I remember from my time in Canterbury that it’s a good pitch, but it was quite dry, so hopefully that plays to my strengths, and I can put in a good performance,” he said.

“They have a strong team, and they play well at home. Obviously, it’s a new challenge for us, but we are really looking forward to it.”

As for his own game since arriving at Trent Bridge, Linde is also positive, and continues to have contributions at the forefront of his mind.

“I think my game feels good at the moment,” he said. “I’m happy with how I’ve developed, and helping us to get the win against Warwickshire was the most important thing.

“Hopefully, I can keep that going and make sure we can get some positive results in the second half of the tournament.”

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