Samit Patel aims to put on a show in front of Sky Sports cameras

Twelve months ago Patel scooped the man-of-the-match award in the corresponding fixture, hitting 30 runs before a miserly spell of three for 17 swung the contest firmly towards the Outlaws.

“I remember that match well,” confirms the 31-year old. “Darren Sammy finished our innings off nicely, hitting three sixes in the final over. Then we started off ok with the ball and squeezed them in the middle of the innings with myself and Mull (Steven Mullaney) slowing down the run rate. Hopefully we can stick to the same formula this year and do well again.”

Patel has made a habit of starring in televised matches, scooping the man-of-the-match award in the 2013 Lord’s final, as well as in plenty of other important one-day contests.

“I don’t want to put the mockers on it but I generally thrive when the cameras are around,” says Patel. “As a team we generally go pretty well and want to keep that going if we can.

“In our dressing room we do believe it focuses the attention a little more knowing that so many people are watching. It was disappointing when our home game with Derbyshire was washed out last week because we always get large crowds at Trent Bridge and they create a terrific atmosphere and we’re hoping for the same at New Road on Saturday.

“It’s a great place to play cricket, with the cathedral in the background. You’re never sure what you are going to find there though, sometimes you get there and the wicket is green and sometimes you get there and it can spin a bit and stay pretty low and slow, so I’ve gone pretty well when it has been like that in the past.”

One thing the all-rounder isn’t keen to repeat though, is being ‘miked’ up whilst on the field. “I only did it once and found it very hard to concentrate, especially when I was bowling. So I don’t think I’ll be doing that again,” he says.

The trip to New Road will enable a couple of the Outlaws’ players to catch up with some of their former team-mates. West Indian T20 star Andre Russell is currently on a short term deal with the Trent Bridge side, having spent the 2013 summer playing for Worcestershire. Alex Hales will also be available to play, before joining up with his England colleagues for the One Day International series against Sri Lanka. It’s only 25 months since Notts allowed the opening batsman to go to Worcester on loan.

“We’re just very glad to have two players of that quality available for us,” says Patel. “Hopefully we can all put on a performance and come away with the right result.”