COVERED SPRING 2021

3 WELCOME @TRENTBRIDGE WELCOME As I write these words during the early stages of the third Covid-19 related national lockdown, I can seldom recall a time of more fluctuating and competing emotions. With the spread of the virus having been such that the government have taken this stance, and with a long way to go if our club is to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic financially, there remains an element of anxiety and worry for us all. And yet, with a vaccination programme underway across the country and with an enthralling summer of cricket forthcoming on both the international and domestic fronts, we can also permit ourselves the luxury of a little excitement. So much has happened in a year, and it seems extraordinary to think that when I penned the introduction for this very publication 12 months ago, I was oblivious to the unthinkable events that were to follow. That we are in a position to look forward to the new season with optimism, and with our finances in a much better situation than initially feared, is testament to the way we pulled together as a club and as a game. Although just being able to play, host and watch cricket – and, in particular, having the opportunity of welcoming our members into our venue once again – may feel like a victory in itself when it happens in 2021, that will not change how fiercely competitive the action will be on the field. Having claimed one of the two trophies on offer in 2020, taking our haul to five in the past 11 years, our priority on the field will be to take further strides forward in our red-ball cricket, whilst jealously protecting our reputation for entertaining and con- sistent cricket in the limited-overs game. On the international stage, it will be our privilege to host the openingTest Match of the flagship series of the summer between England and India, and our first Vitality International T20 since 2012 with the host nation’s fixture against Pakistan. Add to that the final of the 50-over Royal London Cup and both men’s and women’s cricket in the inaugural edition of The Hundred, and the result is that every format of cricket will be played at our venue at elite level during the 2021 campaign. We’ll also be sure to keep our members informed regarding the exploits of our Second XI, Academy and age-group squads throughout the summer, as well as the performances of the Lightning team that now represents Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Loughborough University in the newly structured elite women’s game. The many hundreds of recreational cricketers across our county also have our very best wishes as they prepare for the start of the new season. In this edition of Covered, you’ll hear fromTom Moores regarding the vast and varied experiences he has encountered for a cricketer of just 24, and why he believes they stand him in good stead for his future career. Brett Hutton reflects on life back atTrent Bridge after rejoining his home county following three years at Northamptonshire. Assistant Coach Ant Botha talks through his path into coaching and shares details of the winter and pre-season training programme which has prepared our squad for what lies ahead this summer. And, with our game now every bit as popular among girls within schools as it is among the boys, it’s fitting that this edition also features an interview with Notting- hamshire, Lightning andTrent Rockets all-rounder Lucy Higham and an update from our community and development team regarding female participation within our game. I’m sure I speak for you all when I wish the very best of luck to all of our teams ahead of the new season. Thank you for your loyal support. Lisa Pursehouse MBE Chief Executive