Surrey-Middlesex derby "as big a game as you'll get in county cricket", says Liam Plunkett

Plunkett joined Surrey from Yorkshire, where he experienced the Roses clash with Lancashire

Surrey will host Middlesex in a blockbuster London derby to begin this summer’s Vitality Blast and seamer Liam Plunkett believes there is no bigger match in domestic cricket.

Tickets for this summer’s Vitality Blast went on sale this week with the London-based rivals – who attracted the largest attendance to an English domestic T20 at Lord’s last summer – set to open the tournament on Thursday, May 28.

Last season Plunkett joined Surrey from Yorkshire, where he had experienced the heat of a Roses derby, but admits there is nothing quite like a full house at the Kia Oval against their cross-city rivals.

“It’s as big a game as you are going to get in county cricket,” he said.

“I’ve played in the Roses match but I’ve felt playing at the Oval for Surrey, especially in the derby against Middlesex, it is one of the biggest county games you can play on the circuit.

“The crowds are amazing especially on a summer’s day. It’s a great place to play.”

Plunkett was one of the stars of England’s stunning victory in the men’s World Cup final last summer and has targeted the Blast as a trophy he wants to lift this term.

Surrey have recruited Australian D’Arcy Short, who was the Blast’s leading runscorer during the group stage last summer, to bolster a strong squad of homegrown players.

“That’s our aim – to win the trophy with the talent we’ve got,” Plunkett said.

“The wickets that we get provided at the Oval makes it tough for bowlers but I enjoy playing there in front of those crowds - hopefully we get to that Finals Day and win a trophy this year.”

The Kia Oval is again set to be rocking for the Blast this summer with Surrey set to host four matches on a Friday night and three on a Thursday night.

Fans have been urged to buy their tickets quickly to avoid missing out following record attendances across the Blast last summer.

Courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network.