Surrey's homegrown talent gets chance to show what they can do

T20 BLAST PREVIEW: With England duties taking away several of their stars, Surrey will look to the likes of Will Jacks, Sam Curran and Jamie Smith to come to the fore

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Coach: Vikram Solanki

Captain: Jade Dernbach

Last season: 8th, South Division

Fixtures: August 28 - Sussex (a), August 30 - Essex (h), September 1 - Kent (a), September 3 - Hampshire (h), September 5 - Middlesex (h), September 11 - Essex (a), September 14 - Middlesex (a), September 16 - Sussex (h), September 18 - Hampshire (a), September 20 - Kent (h)

How did they do last year?

Surrey endured a nightmare campaign, winning just one of their first eight group matches to all-but end their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Their campaign included an abandoned game and a tied match, but nevertheless they were never in contention to reach the last eight.

The bowling attack was particularly generous, with the team conceding in excess of 200 runs on three occasions - giving a potent batting line-up work to do.

Jade Dernbach, Gareth Batty, Tom Curran, and Rikki Clarke were all dispatched during the campaign. Even with Aaron Finch and Will Jacks at the top of the order, their efforts often became irrelevant.

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Who are their key players?

Will Jacks: In the absence of Aaron Finch, there will be a major onus on the 21-year-old to bat Surrey into contention in matches, particularly if their bowling attack goes array again.

The opener has shown plenty of promise but more will be demanded of him in 2020 after he averaged less than 2021 last season. But it is clear that if Jacks can spend time at the crease, he could take out an attack on his own. A strike-rate a touch below 150 makes him among the most dangerous players around.

Liam Plunkett: At the other end of the scale is the England World Cup winner, who has been ditched by his country since last summer but could prove to be a key figure for his club.

Even at 35, there are few who are more canny and clever at this level, and without a host of international players, there will be ample opportunity to display his middle-overs prowess. Injury-free and eager to get going after watching his teammates in the Bob Willis Trophy, Surrey have a hungry world-class bowler lurking in the shadows.

What are their biggest strengths?

Reece Topley is only on the England fringes and if he returns then Surrey have a fast-bowling battery worthy of this competition. Morne Morkel is back and available, and alongside Plunkett and Sam Curran there is a group to be feared.

Where might they have a weakness?

A clash with England's white-ball schedule means there will be no Jason Roy, while it remains to be seen when Ollie Pope will return. There is no Hashim Amla and Aaron Finch is not around either. There is a real lack of experience in the spin department also, with Imran Tahir having not returned.

Chances of reaching Finals Day?

The South Group is ultra-competitive, and even with third place possibly good enough to progress. The quarter-finals should be beyond Surrey.

Strongest XI: Will Jacks, Mark Stoneman, Sam Curran, Rikki Clarke, Jordan Clark, Jamie Smith, Liam Plunkett, Jade Dernbach, Reece Topley, Morne Morkel, Amar Virdi

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