1. Hashim Amla
He played here very early in the 2010 season. I remember a
game against Kent where the pitch was doing a lot and at lunch he was 40 not
out and had hit ten boundaries, he played so well. He left the ball well and he
is technically very good.
2. Alex Hales
A destructive opening batsman, he shows good intent and
always looks to put pressure on the bowler, whether it be playing for
Nottinghamshire or England. When he performs he normally gets big hundreds, so
I’d have him in the team any day.
3. Brendan Taylor
If we lost an early wicket, he has opened the batting so
will step in, but the way he plays he can assess the situation well and also he
has plenty of options for scoring boundaries, he can be quite aggressive and
he’s also a top lad. A great man on and off the field.
4. James Taylor
He was a very good batsman and unfortunately had to end his
career early, but he was quick between the wickets and a very good player. He
was always very difficult to bowl at, so I would always rely on him to get us a
few runs.
5. Samit Patel
He’s a Notts legend, he’s broken a load of records and has
been here a long time, so is a favourite at the club. He’s also a great spin
bowling option and again he’s also an aggressive batsman who likes to take the
bowler on so he will be fun to watch.
6. David Hussey
Again he’s another Notts legend. He was an aggressive
batsman, scores quickly, and that’s what I would base my team around. Amla is a
rock as the top, along with Brendan Taylor, but then the rest coming in are all
pretty attacking, so Hussey has to be in there.
7. Chris Read
I don’t have to say too much about him. He’s the best
gloveman in the world and once again, he’s another county legend at Trent
Bridge. He pretty much picks himself as he is just that good.
8. James Pattinson
He could bat at seven, but I don’t need him to bat there.
Eight would be the perfect spot for him, he would open the bowling and bowls
with good pace, he’s an aggressive bowler and a constant threat with the ball
in hand.
9. Graeme Swann
He would be my lead spinner but can also bat a bit, too. He
could bat at eight or even bat at seven, but again he brings lower order runs,
which is key, and as an off-spinner he was of the highest quality. A great guy
to have around the dressing room, and as a bowler so strong especially later on
in the season.
10. Andre Adams
He was an unbelievable bowler, a skilful man. Seven years at
Nottinghamshire, he was really good to left handers and bowed a fuller length,
so he would be especially handy earlier in the season. Again he also brings
lower order runs with the bat as he gives it a good smack towards the back of
the innings.
11. Stuart Broad
Again he could bat about eight, but he wouldn’t have to in
this team, it’s so strong. He’s another Notts legend, knows the ground well and
loves bowling from the Pavilion End, which would be good because Pattinson
enjoys the Radcliffe Road End, and those two would be my opening bowlers.
