Durham Jets’ captain Mark Stoneman is eagerly anticipating the start of the 2016 Natwest T20 Blast campaign against the Notts Outlaws on Wednesday June 1.
Stoneman’s side were unable to reach finals day at Edgbaston in 2015 after finishing 6th in the North Division, fading away after a promising start.
The opening batsman believes his side are now a year older, a year wiser and ready to launch a bid for their first Natwest T20 Blast title – the one piece of silverware missing from the club’s trophy cabinet.
The left-hander, who made his first team Durham debut in 2007, is anticipating his side will put on a show under the Emirates Riverside lights.
“We haven’t yet reached the heights we should have in this format but we will certainly look to progress this year and reach the finals,” Stoneman said.
“T20 is all about having fun and giving the supporters some real entertainment.
“I’m really looking forward to the start of the season, form will play a big part but I certainly have confidence in the side.
The captain revealed how the positive atmosphere radiates from the stands onto the pitch and urged the Jets supporters to get behind their stars, calling them “an extra player”.
“We’ve still had some great games and there is a really positive, family feel around the ground,” he said.
“The atmosphere is fantastic and it’s like having an extra player on the pitch!
“It’s nice to be able to sign autographs at the end of the match and meet the fans. We’re trying to inspire the next generation of cricketers.”