The Vitality Blast continues on its merry way, with most counties still in contention for quarter-final qualification. The Nottinghamshire Outlaws are probably the best team so far, having won six out of ten. Incredibly they have also been involved in all three ties to have occurred. They sit two points clear in the North group after defeating Lancashire and struggling Leicestershire. Alex Hales reminded the England selectors of his potential with 101 not out against the Lightning. The Birmingham Bears clipped Yorkshire’s wings by bowling them out for 81, Carlos Brathwaite and Danny Briggs the pick of their attack.
In the South Group, just one point separates the top four. Poor Sussex have had a soggy time in the past fortnight. Half of the ten washouts in the competition to date have involved them, allowing near neighbours Surrey and Kent to edge ahead. Tom Banton’s unbeaten 51-ball 107 for Somerset was enough to earn an international recall while his new opening partner Devon Conway rattled off three successive half-centuries. Lewis Gregory also produced two outstanding bowling performances and a first-ball duck.
Next week the Championship makes a welcome return, and then it’s the launch of the blasted Hundred. Heaven help us…..
Team of the Week: Hales (Not), Banton (Som),
Eskinazi (Mid), Conway (Som), Vasconcelos (Nor +), Thompson (Yor), Douthwaite (Gla),
Gregory (Som), Harmer (Ess), Brathwaite (War), White (Nor)
