DOUBLE HEADER: Three Positives and Three Negatives From Notts Outlaws third set of T20 Blast games

Friday's game saw the Bears come to town but a solid showing with the ball, particularly from the overseas pair of Mohammad Ali and George Linde left the Outlaws chasing a very gettable total. A good reply initially turned to nervousness with a middle order collapse but steady heads saw them over the line.

Sunday's win against local rivals Derbyshire Falcons was built on a strong batting foundation by the top order, though middle to lower order runs made the game edgy for the Outlaws but they ultimately got over the line to move into second place in the North Group table.

We take a look at three positives and negatives from the second set of T20 Blast games.

Positive #1 – The League is Tight, momentum can be key.

It looked bleak for the Outlaws after three losses but three wins on the bounce have somehow got them to second in the table and arguably, the break for 4-day cricket could be seen as a bad thing but it can do a couple things over the next few weeks that can only be good.

The first is that it allows momentum for the red-ball fixtures that take centre stage over the next few weeks and we know that is Nottinghamshire's strong suit. Momentum is always good for confidence in any cricket being played.

Secondly, it allows the hierarchy to take stock of their campaign to date, take a step back and look what went right and what didn't. It's hard to make any major or even subtle changes when games are coming thick and fast but now they can do so and look to be in tip top condition when T20 clicks back into action.

Positive #2 – The Overseas are doing their job

There's nothing better than seeing the overseas pair doing what they have been brought in to do. Mohammad Ali has looked very good on the whole and his experience has allowed him to readjust if anyone gets at him, which they did early doors on Friday.

George Linde is taking advantage of some testing pitches at Trent Bridge at the moment which certainly are offering something to the slower bowlers. He's showing why he is in demand on the franchise circuit because he can make a real difference and turn games in Notts favour, a crucial asset to have.

Positive #3 – Patterson-White's return has strengthened the Outlaws.

The early games in this year's Vitality Blast saw the Notts line-up really look like it was missing something and no disrespect to any of those that played, LWP is a classy act that has proved himself in this format over the last few years and become a key cog for the Outlaws.

I don't think that is a coincidence at all, having him in the side will automatically boost the confidence of the players all around him and he can contribute in all three disciplines, taking crucial wickets, lower-order power hitting and a safe pair of hands. He's close to being a difference maker for this side.

Negative #1 – The Skipper is still struggling.

It's fascinating to see how one player can absolutely be ripping it up in arguably his weakest format (although weakest is a harsh word in this instance) but then in his stronger suit, has looked all at sea and not sure where his next score is coming from.

You could gloss over these individual player issues when winning and that's what you'll likely do but a firing Joe Clarke and a side that is on an upward trajectory are a dangerous side in this competition. Perhaps a return to red-ball cricket could be a good thing for him.

It's also hard to judge his captaincy. I would never have put the armband on him, he just doesn't come across as the type of player that is captaincy material but the facts don't lie, they are well in the mix and if he gets going, the Outlaws will be dangerous.

Negative #2 – Is Benny Howell good value at the moment

The simple answer here is no. I always thought it was a strange signing in the first place and maybe it is how the games are falling that he hasn't been that effective as yet but he has had a few opportunities to stand out but none taken so far.

There are others in the squad that could certainly put their hand up and say they might be more effective. I'm thinking Lyndon James, Farhan Ahmed or even a fit Brett Hutton. Howell almost seems like an addition for the sake of it. Maybe i'm being harsh but I want to see more from him.

Negative #3 – Blowing someone away

Looking at results across the North Group, there does seem to be an issue with no side really managing to stamp their authority on the league. Initially Yorkshire looked like they were, but they've been pegged back now too.

Notts are still finding that their Net Run Rate is still in the minus figures, like other sides for granted and out of the sides on 12 points, they are ahead of Leicestershire Foxes who equally, have had similar issues.

When the format returns in a few weeks, can they really take a side apart. What this could do is really pile the pressure on the sides below them because it could well come down to net run rate and a side bowing someone away, will be in pole position.

Final Thoughts

The break in formats could both be seen as a positive and a negative depending on the angle you look at, but the simple fact of the matter is, the Outlaws are well in the mix after a decent turnaround over the last three games.

It's been a solid comeback more than anything but there is still plenty of work for them to do when the format returns towards the back end of June and if a few players can find some form, it could well be a good competition still for the Trent Bridge side.