Northamptonshire Steelbacks make the trip down to The Oval for their highly anticipated Vitality Blast quarter-final against Surrey.
With no T20 action since July, Darren Lehmann’s side enjoy a welcome return to the format they often deliver their greatest successes in. After defeat to Durham on the final day of the group stages denied the Steelbacks a home quarter-final, it is the coveted scene of The Oval and the formidable Surrey that stands between them and their first Finals’ Day appearance since they defeated tomorrow’s opponents in the final in 2016.
Talismanic opener, Matt Breetzke, has been ruled out with a hamstring issue, sustained during international duty with South Africa. New Zealand international, Tim Robinson is available to replace him, with leg-spinning Australian, Lloyd Pope also available.
Stuart van de Merwe impressed with both bat and ball throughout the Metro-Bank One Day Cup and is in the squad to potentially face the county who first signed the talented youngster.
Skipper, David Willey, Saif Zaib, Ben Sanderson and George Scrimshaw have all returned from their campaigns in The Hundred injury free and available for selection.
Surrey topped the South Group in their Blast campaign, winning eleven out of fourteen and pipping Somerset to top spot by beating Sussex late on the final day of the group stage. Spinning duo, Mitchell Santner and Adam Zampa will not be available for selection. Santner’s injury that led him to pulling out The Hundred keeps him out, whilst Zampa’s commitments to Australia rule him out of contention.
New Zealand seamer, Nathan Smith, is also out after sustaining an injury for the Black Caps. T20 specialist, Sam Curran, will captain the side, with fellow England stars, Will Jacks and Jamie Smith away with the national side.
Play is due to start at 18:30 at The Oval for what will be an unmissable evening of cricket as The Steelbacks look to book their place at Edgbaston.