Glamorgan look for improved display after finishing bottom of the T20 Blast pack last year

T20 BLAST PREVIEW: There's no Marnus Labuschagne or Colin Ingram for Glamorgan in 2020, and much will come down to how much of an impact their younger players can have in the competition...

Coach: Matthew Maynard

Captain: Chris Cooke

Last season: 9th, South Division

Fixtures: August 27 - Worcestershire (h), August 29 - Gloucestershire (a), August 30 - Birmingham Bears (h), September 1 - Somerset (a), September 3 - Northamptonshire (a), September 11 - Birmingham Bears (a), September 13 - Northamptonshire (h), September 16 - Somerset (h), September 18 - Gloucestershire (h), September 20 - Worcestershire (a)

How did they do last year?

It was one to forget for the South Wales club. Only Middlesex in 2011 and 2014 have recorded fewer points in the two divisional format. It was Glamorgan's worst-ever return in the T20 Blast history. It was a bit of a disaster.

Whether the four wash-outs they suffered blighted their campaign or prevented further pain is up for debate. But their lack of fortune is undeniable. The inclement conditions followed them around from Cheltenham to Cardiff, Canterbury to Chelmsford.

Remarkably, they produced one of the shocks of the competition to collect their only victory of the round. Hampshire needed a win to stand any chance of reaching the quarter-finals during the last run of games, but Glamorgan hammered 216 for 5, with Chris Cooke hitting 45, as they prevailed by 28 runs.

Who are their key players?

Chris Cooke: A batting line-up crippled by a lack of availability will be looking to Cooke to provide stability.

Having already showed plenty of character in the Bob Willis Trophy, the skipper will again be key. He signed off last season with an impressive knock against Hants and will be eager to pick up from where he left off in 2019.

Timm van der Gugten: Having fully recovered from an ankle injury, the Australian-born seamer looks set to have full involvement in the 2020 campaign having missed last year's troubles. He averages close to 20 with the ball in the Blast and is as hostile as they come in this format.

Additionally, expect him to wack it down the order. And with international calibre players at a premium in this year's edition, the Dutchman is a massive trump card for Glamorgan.

Andrew Balbirnie: The Ireland skipper has arrived as a late signing, and will add plenty of know-how to the Glamorgan line-up. 

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What are their biggest strengths?

In a word: unity. Coach Matthew Maynard has always focused on the attitude of his squad, confident that performances will follow.

Results might not always reflect that ethos, but Glamorgan are as hard-working as any on the county circuit. You have to really beat them.

Where might they have a weakness?

No Colin Ingram or Marnus Labuschagne is a major blow for the club, and cuts right to the heart of their plans - but they aren't the only ones to suffer from overseas disappointment.

Injury to David Lloyd is another setback. Like with many clubs, it will be down to the youngsters to perform in a pressure-filled environment.

Chances of reaching Finals Day?

Another long campaign beckons with a squad seemingly weaker than last year's.

Strongest XI: Nick Selman, Kiran Carlson, Billy Root, Andrew Balbirnie, Chris Cooke, Dan Douthwaite, Andrew Salter, Marchant de Lange, Timm van der Gugten, Ruaidhri Smith, Prem Sisodiya

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