The Blast is back! Scorecards are littered with county spinners you thought had retired and Pakistanis who missed out on the IPL action, while the players who actually catch the eye are those who play week in, week out with the red ball.
It kicked off with an Edgbaston double-header, and Lancashire were the first to register a victory in the 2023 competition, defeating Derbyshire, who sacrificed one of their lucrative home ties for the demands of TV. The Birmingham Bears made their home advantage count against Yorkshire, who ended the week with three losses, maintaining their dreadful Championship form. On the other hand, Lancashire opened their campaign with three straight wins before the Bears spinners Briggs and Mousley dealt them a crushing Bank Holiday blow.
Neighbours Worcestershire have a 100% record, too. Their star man has been Pakistan’s leg-spinner Usama Mir, who has taken five cheap wickets and thumped rapid runs for the cause.
The South group has so far been dominated by perennial bridesmaids Somerset. Ironically, T20 specialists Tom Banton and Will Smeed have been eclipsed by bowler Craig Overton who, until this summer, has shunned the biff-bash format. Overton has also taken more catches (eight) than anyone else. Somerset’s most satisfying success came in the demolition of bete-noires Hampshire who last year ended their hopes in another semi-final. The Hawks needn’t worry just yet. After all, they lost their first four fixtures last year and ended up winning the trophy.
The highest score of the week was achieved by Surrey, whose 223-5 at The Oval proved too much for Kent. The top knock also came in that match, but from an unlikely source. Aussie all-rounder Sean Abbott had never previously made a T20 fifty but in just 52 minutes, he plundered an incredible 110 not out, including a 34-ball century, equalling the record in England. Who needs Roy, Jacks or the Curran brothers? Graham Clark’s first two innings consisted of a hundred and first-ball duck while Mr Consistent, Derbyshire’s Wayne Madsen, reached fifty in each of his three outings. He also thumped 89 for the Second XI in between. Not bad for a 39 year-old.
Team of the Week:- Banton (Som +), Clark (Dur), Hain (Bears), Madsen
(Der), Mitchell (Lan), Bopara (Sus), S Abbott (Sur), Usama Mir (Wor), C Overton
(Som), Briggs (Bears), Wood (Lan)
