Some fascinating Friends Life T20 Cup quarter-finals were somewhat overshadowed by the appalling behaviour of Surrey captain Gareth Batty. In the first match against Somerset, the veteran spinner bowled Peter Trego then, as the batsman headed back to the boundary, Batty clearly barged Trego and you didn't need lip-reading lessons to see that his accompanying comments were not of the 'bad luck, old chap' variety.
Surrey skippers haven't exactly covered themselves with glory in the past couple of years but it was at least refreshingly decisive of the ECB to punish Batty within a week and ban him from Finals Day. His county will naturally contest the punishment but he really has no defence against the allegations and no amount of silicon on his reputation should cause a reversal of the original decision on referral. That Surrey outplayed Somerset to qualify will be forgotten. Hey, if Surrey take their complaint all the way and lose, could they be thrown out of the competition to be replaced by Somerset? We might actually won this time!
The competition's top scorers Craig Kieswetter and Michael Carberry were again in the runs, with the latter's century proving just enough to advance champions Hampshire into the semis where the cricketing world ought to cheer them against Surrey. The opener's 66-ball 100 not out took Hants above the 200 mark and Lancashire fell just one run short.
The other two semi-final places are filled by other second division sides. Cameron White's rapid half-century and Lee Daggett's miserly bowling helped Northamptonshire to a comfortable victory over Durham. Wantage Road rarely enjoys a large crowd so it was encouraging that one of the unfancied Midlands counties progressing to the big stage.
Nottinghamshire had looked ominously good in the group stages, their side awash with T20 specialist batsmen and some useful bowlers. Nevertheless, Ryan Ten Doeschate's 82 off 44 balls spoiled the recent good figures of Patel and White before the home team collapsed in reply. David Hussey did his best but a four-wicket over from Shaun Tait wiped out his support and their chances of taking the trophy. Essex needed that fillip, too. Could be an interesting finale at Edgbaston.
