Newell urges winning mentality

Mick Newell challenged his side to win two of their final three championship games

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell insists there will be no let-up in his side’s positive approach as they enter a crucial final month of the season.

Notts are chasing glory on two fronts, with the LV County Championship and NatWest Pro40 titles a realistic possibility.

They sit top of the championship, although Somerset and Durham – in second and fourth place respectively – have a game in hand, making Notts’ clash with Somerset at Trent Bridge this week all the more important.

Notts sit just three points behind leaders Hampshire in NatWest Pro40 Division One, having played two fewer matches, but Newell is adamant that they will not let the pressure of the end-of-season run-in affect their style of play in either competition.

“Our approach to the games won’t change because quite simply, we go into everything trying to win and that will be the case until the final ball of the season,” he said.

“To win the championship, we need to win at least two of our three remaining games and make sure that we take points from Somerset.

“We expect to have either Graeme Swann or Samit Patel back in our side if they are left out of the England game at Cardiff and that will improve the balance of our side.

“The bowlers have been in good form all season and the batsmen have all benefited from playing on a flat wicket at Hove last week.

“The championship is our number one priority but we want to win a one day trophy as well and we have an opportunity to challenge in NatWest Pro40.”