Nottinghamshire Outlaws are the next visitors to the County Ground on Friday, July 6th, and while it is early in the campaign this is shaping up to be a critical clash for both teams.

The first ball is at 6:30pm, so to get you in the mood for the match here is a run-down on the visitors from Trent Bridge.

IN 2018 The Outlaws opened their Vitality Blast campaign at Trent Bridge against Birmingham Bears in a repeat of last year’s final. But they could not make home advantage count as Bears batsman Ian Bell hit an unbeaten 82 to steer his side to an eight-wicket win

IN 2017 The Outlaws were the undisputed form team last year, first finishing top of the North Group, then progressing through to Finals Day, where they beat Hampshire in the semi-final and Birmingham in the final

OVERSEAS PLAYERS Outlaws captain Dan Christian and New Zealand leg-spinner Ish Sodhi reunite at Trent Bridge to try and emulate last year’s success

BIG HITTER Riki Wessels

Now aged 32, Wessels was the Outlaws’ leading run-scorer in their 2017 success. He blasted 559 runs at an average of 43.00 and had the honour of becoming the first from his county to score a T20 century, making 110 against Derbyshire. One of the cleanest hitters in the game, he usually goes blow-for-blow with his regular opening partner, Alex Hales, to get the side away to a rip-roaring start during the powerplay overs

KEY BOWLER Harry Gurney

A much better bowler now than when he represented his country in T20 Internationals back in 2014, the 31-year old played a key role in the Outlaws’ success last season. He took a total of 21 wickets during the competition and was a worthy contender for the man of the match award in the final, taking 4-17 to down the Birmingham Bears. Has all the variations required of a modern death-bowler, all now delivered from a significantly reduced run-up

WILD CARD Tom Moores

The 21-year old wicketkeeper–batsman already has a winner’s medal in his pocket after coming into the side for last season’s successful campaign. His athletic ability with the gloves on has already brought high praise from unusual sources (Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is a fan) but his destructive batting may take him to the very top of the tree. Following in the footsteps of Chris Read was never going to be easy but his young successor has already made a huge impression

The Vitality Blast is a great day for all the family, with matches lasting around three hours and simple to follow Twenty20 action.

By booking in advance you can save £5 on individual tickets compared to the match day price (£10 saving for Family tickets).

CLICK HERE to order tickets for Steelbacks v Nottinghamshire Outlaws