DUCKETT DELIGHTED TO BE BACK AS BLAST RETURNS TO TRENT BRIDGE

With scorching temperatures and an expected five-figure crowd inbound, Ben Duckett can’t wait for the Vitality Blast to return to Trent Bridge on Friday night.

Notts’ opening fixture, at home to Yorkshire, will be Duckett’s first appearance in the format for the Outlaws since July 2024, and the left-hander is thrilled at the prospect.

“It’s the enjoyment factor!” Duckett smiles. “I said to Clarkey [captain Joe Clarke] a couple of months ago that if I could, I’d be desperate to play that one Blast game.

“Thankfully, I got the all-clear, and I’m looking forward to playing a home game at Trent Bridge in front of a big crowd.”

Duckett is included in a 15-strong squad that will face the White Rose to fire the starting gun on the 2026 competition, with new overseas signing Mohammad Ali also included.

Ali’s fellow international import, George Linde, will be unavailable for selection in the Outlaws’ opening match due to visa complications.

However, the South African is expected to join up with the squad in time for the second game against Lancashire on Monday.

“Playing here on a Friday night in front of a big crowd is always great,” continued Duckett. “This year, hopefully we’ve got a group that can go all the way!

“We have gone through a bit of a transition recently, but most of the guys playing now have played a fair bit of cricket.

“For me personally, it’s just about trying to put a performance on the board and hopefully contribute to a win!”

Duckett is also full of praise for the man who now leads the Outlaws in the shortest format, and is ready and willing to offer support as the hosts bid to kick off the Blast in the best way possible.

“Clarkey is one of the best white-ball players in the country, and I know what he’ll be like as a leader from having played with him before,” he said.

“Tomorrow, I’ll definitely be there on his shoulder if he needs any advice!”

While excited for the start of the tournament, the 31-year-old knows that Notts will need to be at their best to register an opening-night win.

“It’s going to be a good challenge, and they’ve always got a good side,” he said of Yorkshire.

“They’ve got experience in their side, and so we’re certainly not going to take them lightly. It is a big start.

“But, that said, it’s [four] points that we think we can get!”

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