Nottinghamshire 410/4 & 123/5 v Oxford University 291/9 (Friendly)

*Match drawn

24.03.21 – 26.03.21 (match played over 3 days)

After two glorious days action of Notts batting and bowling in the spring sunshine, it was a little frustrating as the third day of the friendly match with Oxford University got off to a soddened delayed start as the rain in Nottingham dampened the mornings play into non-existence, revised start time of 1:25pm and an early lunch as the outfield was given chance to dry out.

Notts back in bat after Oxford declared their innings from the previous day, it wasn’t long before the first wicket as Duckett went without scoring for the second time in the match, taken at square leg with Nottinghamshire 1/1.

As in the first innings when Notts lost two quick wickets, the second innings got off to an equally disastrous start as Hameed went next, 4/2, both Duckett and Hameed totalling 29 balls between them for just eight runs.

Thankfully, Joe Clarke and Liam Patterson-White were able to steady the ship, a quick fire 39 for Patterson before an edge to slip and then Clarke, on 38, swiping at the leg-spinner but topping to slip, two quick wickets with Notts 85/4.

In came Hutton, caught slip first ball, Harrison on a hat-trick taking 3/9 on the day, Peter Trego (22) and Joey Evison (18) seeing out the day as the two captains shook on the draw.

So in summary… Day one had plenty of positives with centuries for Ben Slater, Ben Compton and Steven Mullaney. Day two had a purple spell by Ben Hutton who took 4/11 with Liam Patterson-White chipping in with 2/66. Day three, well in the end it was just nice to play some cricket.

A good start to the calendar year and as seasons preparations go well-played, here’s hoping Notts can build on the positives, the first XI will travel to Warwickshire on Tuesday for a two day match at Edgbaston before another friendly against Leicestershire before the season begins on the 8^th April at home to Durham.

*Main image @TrentBridge Joe Clarke was in no mood to mess about with a quick-fire 38.