Samit Patel says Notts will have to be even better this season

Notts swept to a famous double last year to go with their County Championship Division Two title.

But Patel knows it is going to be very hard to recreate that success again this summer.

“We’re going to have to step it up even more now because people are going to come here and try to gun us down at every stage,” said Patel. “It’s all about how we deal with that sort of pressure.

“If we work as a team like last year and have the hunger to win when we shouldn’t win, we will win a lot of games.

He also feels home-grown players will be the key to winning titles .

“The local players need to be of a good standard,” he said. “If you want to be a successful franchise you have to have good local boys.

“We want to win at least one trophy this year, but the biggest challenge for us will be four day cricket. I think a top four finish will be really good for us.”

Nottinghamshire’s player of the year also stated his disappointment at the lack of opportunity to play for England.

He said:“What more can I do? Not a lot. It is disappointing that I’m not playing white ball cricket for England but hopefully I will get the chance.”