Leicestershire have work to do to rediscover former glories

T20 BLAST PREVIEW: Captain Colin Ackermann and coach Paul Nixon have the gumption and experience, but do their charges have it in them to make a run to the knockout stages of the Blast?

Coach: Paul Nixon

Captain: Colin Ackermann

Overseas: Gareth Delany

Last season: 9th, North Division

Fixtures: August 27 - Derbyshire (a), August 29 - Lancashire (h), August 31 - Durham (h), September 2 - Yorkshire (h), September 4 - Nottinghamshire (a), September 11 - Yorkshire (h), September 13 - Durham (a), September 15 - Derbyshire (h), September 18 - Nottinghamshire (h), September 20 - Lancashire (a)

How did they do last year?

The three-time winners will be wondering how they didn't put themselves in a position to collect a fourth T20 title after allowing an encouraging start in the North Division slip through their fingers in the concluding weeks of the campaign.

Three wins from their opening eight matches was far from formidable but it kept them in contention for the top four. But just a single victory from their last six saw them finish bottom of the section.

Though they might feel hard done by, the manner of their decline exposed the gap between them and the rest. Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lancashire prevailed by nine, seven, and five wickets respectively and while the weather didn't play ball, a quarter-final place was always fanciful.

You can't possibly review the Foxes' 2019 fortunes without touching on Colin Ackermann's record-breaking haul in victory over Birmingham Bears, as he took 7 for 18 to claim the best figures in the format's history. As ever when it comes to Leicestershire, it just had to be him.

VISIT THE COUNTY HUB: News, interviews & live scores

Who are their key players?

Colin Ackermann: There is no single player who plays a more central role for their county than the South African-born Netherlands international. Often with the bat, and occasionally with the ball, he is the class act of this Leicestershire side.

Now entrusted with captaining the side across all formats, he is shepherding another young side. Such demands would cripple lesser players, but Ackermann seems invigorated by the challenge. Early season form suggests he is ready to lead from the front once again.

Callum Parkinson: Having been given a more senior role as the front-line spinner in the red-ball team, the 23-year-old is showing signs he is becoming settled in this Foxes outfit.

A focus on pace and line led to eight wickets at 25.75, but more importantly an economy rate of 7.53 - below his career average. He may be trailing brother Matt as far as wide acclaim is concerned, but there is plenty to suggest he is making significant strides towards bridging that gap.

What are their biggest strengths?

There is a batting line-up that bangs. Ackermann and Aaron Lilley both possess a formidable strike-rate and can take an attack apart if they spend long enough at the crease.

It is impossible to ignore the influence of Paul Nixon, whose status as a legend of this competition gives this team focus, character, and a feeling that they're building towards something.

Where might they have a weakness?

The seam department is not what it could be, and there will be plenty of onus on Ackermann, Parkinson, and Lilley to exert control with pace off the ball.

Dieter Klein and Chris Wright were clattered around at times last year and it might be left to the younger bread to lead their attack.

Chances of reaching Finals Day?

A shortened season opens the door to a surprise quarter-final entrant, but it is unlikely to come from Grace Road.

Possible XI: Swindles, Lilley, Ackermann, Delany, Dearden, Mike, Taylor, Parkinson, Griffiths, Davis, Wright

For unrivalled coverage of the county season, subscribe to The Cricketer and receive 3 issues for £5