T20 Blast essentials: All you need to know ahead of Wednesday's double-header

The Cricketer looks ahead to just two games in the shortened format ahead of the start of the Ashes at Edgbaston

NORTH DIVISION

Worcestershire v Derbyshire

Where: New Road

When: Wednesday, July 31. Play begins at 5pm.

Lowdown: Derbyshire have not won since the opening round but remain well in the hunt for a top-four spot against the defending champions who can close to within a point of leaders Lancashire.

One to watch: Overshadowed by Martin Guptil in the destruction of Durham, Riki Wessels' 74 came at a strike-rate above 250 and though it did not rival the New Zealand opener for explosiveness, it was equally as effective.

Weather: Cloudy afternoon expected with the sun likely to make an appearance in the early evening. Highs of 19 degrees Celcius expected.

Tickets: Adults £20, Under 18s £5 - click here to find out more

Prediction: Worcestershire

^{Peter Handscomb didn't make the cut for the Ashes but has been enlisted by Durham}

Durham v Leicestershire

Where: Chester-le-Street

When: Wednesday, July 31. Play begins at 6:30pm.

Lowdown: Rock-bottom Foxes had lost three in a row before beating Notts and they face a Durham side who are striving for consistency after two wins and two defeats from their four matches.

One to watch: Peter Handscomb has been signed to replace Ashes-bound Cameron Bancroft for the Blast and he began his spell with 37 from 28 balls against Worcester, but it was not enough to deliver victory.

Weather: Rain is expected throughout the day and into the start of the match but it is expected to clear, which could allow for a shortened game.

Tickets: Adults £15, Under 16s £5 - click here to find out more

Prediction: Durham

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