Twenty20 has been a good format of the sport for Leicestershire Foxes, who have won the Vitality Blast three times and reached finals day on two further occasions.
The Foxes are the first visitors to the County Ground in the 2018 Vitality Blast this coming Wednesday night (first ball at 6:30pm). Here’s the run down for our local rivals.
IN 2017 Fourth in the North Group before losing in the quarter finals away to Glamorgan
OVERSEAS PLAYERS Mohammad Abbas (Pakistan) Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
BIG HITTER Cameron Delport
One of the new breed of T20 specialists, the hard-hitting South African left-hander has played in the Caribbean Premier League, Pakistan Super League, South African Pro 20, Big Bash and earlier this year, in the Indian Premier League. An uncomplicated clean-hitter with a career strike rate of 138, he smashed 109 from 59 balls against Nottinghamshire to help the Foxes qualify for the Blast quarter-finals last season
KEY BOWLER Mohammad Nabi
One of three Afghan players who will be breaking new ground in this summer’s Blast, this canny and vastly experienced off-spinning all-rounder has 98 one-day and 63 T20 caps for his country, picking up 168 white ball wickets. The 33-year-old features regularly in T20 leagues around the world, has represented Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash and Sunrisers Hyderabad in this year’s IPL, and has a career T20 economy rate of less than 7
WILD CARD Callum Parkinson
Young left-arm spinner (twin of Lancashire’s leg-spinning Matt) played every Foxes’ game in last year’s Blast, often bowling in the Powerplay, picking up 15 wickets with a best return of 3-20, and an economy rate of 8. Uses flight with a guile that belies his youth and lack of experience, and holds the ball back with sufficient disguise to draw the batsman into hitting too soon
The Vitality Blast is a great day for all the family, with matches lasting around three hours and simple to follow Twenty20 action.
By booking in advance you can save £5 on individual tickets compared to the match day price (£10 saving for Family tickets).
CLICK HERE to order tickets for Steelbacks v Leicestershire Foxes