I want us to go out there and enjoy it - Carlson

18 Aug 2021 |

Captain Kiran Carlson wants his team to enjoy the occasion of a big-match atmosphere when they face Durham in the final of the Royal London Cup at Trent Bridge tomorrow. 

The Welsh county are playing in their first List A final since 2013 but have been superb throughout the competition so far, topping Group 2 and defeating Essex Eagles in a thrilling semi-final on Monday. 

Carlson reached T20 Finals Day with Glamorgan in 2017 but only two members of the side - Andrew Salter and Michael Hogan - are in the squad that were defeated at Lord's eight years ago. 

Victory over Durham would give the club its first silverware in 17 years and it's an opportunity Carlson is hungry to grasp. 

“The boys are hungry to do well. Everyone is going to be thinking about the game, but I want us to go out there and enjoy it. We are excited,” said Carlson.

“We will do our best to win it and I’m so proud of the lads for getting to the final. We want to enjoy ourselves out there and the big-match atmosphere.”

Glamorgan have missed five key players throughout the 50-over competition in captain Chris Cooke, plus David Lloyd, Colin Ingram, Timm van der Gugten and Dan Douthwaite who were all called up to The Hundred, but their absence has given opportunities for others to thrive. 

Joe Cooke was man of the match in the semi-final win over Essex Eagles and is now the joint leading wicket-taker in the competition, while Nick Selman has scored 385 runs at the top of the order.

Seamer Michael Hogan has also been imperious with the ball, taking 15 wickets at 11.6 and an economy rate of just 2.9 runs per over.

“It’s been really pleasing,” said Carlson. “This competition was always going to be a bit strange with players away with the Hundred and teams adapting.

“It’s been massive for us that players who have come in have done themselves and the team proud because some of them have had a point to prove.

“It’s given guys an opportunity and every person who has come in has impressed.

“Michael has been unbelievable throughout the whole competition. He’s really led our attack and I think he’s got a couple of years left in him if he’s bowling like this."

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