T20 Blast Essentials: All you need to know ahead of Thursday's action

The Cricketer provides all the information you need as the second week of the 20-over competition gets underway

CENTRAL GROUP

Worcestershire v Somerset

Where: Edgbaston

When: Thursday, September 3, 1.05pm

Lowdown: Two sides both tipped to go far ahead of the tournament, but well off the pace set by group leaders Northamptonshire. Worcestershire remain winless, while Somerset have won once.

One to watch: Pat Brown proved expensive on his return to Worcestershire’s side for the first time this season against Gloucestershire. With any rust shaken off, he is far too good to go the journey once again.

Weather: A drizzly start to the day, but it should be dry by the time the teams take to the field.

Tickets: Match will be played behind closed doors

Prediction: Worcestershire

Northamptonshire v Glamorgan

Where: Edgbaston

When: Thursday, September 3, 6.35pm

Lowdown: Northants have emerged as the early pacesetters, having won all three of their non-rain-affected games. Glamorgan can boast Chris Cooke, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, but he needs his teammates to chip in.

One to watch: Ben Sanderson is better known for his control with the red ball, but he has begun this Blast campaign with seven wickets in three matches.

Weather: A sunny evening at Edgbaston for the second part of a doubleheader

Tickets: Match will be played behind closed doors

Prediction: Northamptonshire

^{David Wiese played a match-winning hand for Sussex against Middlesex}

SOUTH GROUP

Sussex v Kent

Where: Hove

When: Thursday, September 3, 2pm

Lowdown: Two strong sides, Kent have legitimate reason to think they should have won all three of their games so far. Instead, they have emerged victorious just once, alongside a tie and a washout. Sussex were tipped beforehand as the team to beat; they have lived up to the tag so far.

One to watch: David Wiese missed Sussex’s Bob Willis Trophy action due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions delaying his arrival. He made up for lost time on Tuesday against Middlesex, whacking a match-winning unbeaten 79 to haul his side to victory.

Weather: Grey but dry

Tickets: Match will be played behind closed doors

Prediction: Sussex

Middlesex v Essex

Where: Lord’s

When: Thursday, September 3, 6.15pm

Lowdown: Two teams still looking for their first wins despite playing plenty of good cricket in their opening three games. Middlesex will feel they should have beaten Sussex.

One to watch: Stevie Eskinazi has made scores of 79 and 84 in his last two innings – without Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, AB de Villiers and Paul Stirling from last year’s Blast, it was imperative that the batsmen stood up. The club’s red-ball captain has done just that.

Weather: A chance of rain through the afternoon but dry thereafter

Tickets: Match will be played behind closed doors

Prediction: Middlesex

^{Ben Sanderson has enjoyed a good start to his Blast campaign}

Surrey v Hampshire

Where: Kia Oval

When: Thursday, September 3, 6.30pm

Lowdown: Surrey have struggled this season but are now benefiting from the belated arrival of Hashim Amla. Hampshire beat Essex on Tuesday.

One to watch: Mason Crane has cumulative Blast figures of 4 for 38 from eight overs so far this campaign, having also taken 12 Bob Willis Trophy wickets at 11.91 apiece – good to see after his struggles with injury in recent times.

Weather: Chance of light rain through the afternoon, but should have passed by the time play begins

Tickets: 2,500 spectators will be in attendance as part of the government’s trial events, with a view to reopening stadia on a wider level in October.

Prediction: Surrey

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