The Cricketer looks ahead to three games in the Blast, with matches affecting both the top and bottom of the North and South Divisions due to take place
Where: Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street
When: Thursday, August 15. Play begins at 6:30pm.
Lowdown: Four wins each for these two sides, both of whom sit fairly well-placed after nine rounds of fixtures. Worcestershire are, of course, the defending champions and when these teams met earlier in the competition, Martin Guptill and Riki Wessels chased 184 in 12.1 overs.
One to watch: Scott Steel. In his maiden T20 Blast campaign, the Durham opener has made quite the impression atop the order alongside Australia's D'Arcy Short. In recent games, he has been entrusted with the ball as well, getting through three overs in Friday's win over Derbyshire.
Weather: After Wednesday's rain, the whole country is looking at a brighter Thursday. Chester-le-Street is no different; sunny and fairly mild for this one.
Tickets: Adults £15, Juniors £5 - click here for further details
Prediction: Worcestershire
Where: County Ground, Derby
When: Thursday, August 15. Play begins at 7pm.
Lowdown: Two sides without the star names of some of their more illustrious rivals, but both beginning to enjoy quite intriguing T20 Blast campaigns. Derbyshire, especially, have been superb at times; three wins in their last four games have been built on the foundations of some swashbuckling batting. Leus du Plooy, Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman have all come to the fore. Potential dark-horses of this year's competition.
One to watch: Wayne Madsen. It is an unoriginal choice, but it is hard to look past the Durban-born batsman. A wonderfully talented player, he has the ability to hit big or to deflect. A match-winning unbeaten 59 against Northants has since been followed by a 37-ball 66 in a comprehensive win over Yorkshire.
Weather: Dry, sunny, pleasant. A full game awaits.
Tickets: Adults £16, Under-16s £4 - click here for further details
Prediction: Derbyshire
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Where: The Oval
When: Thursday, August 15. Play begins at 6.30pm.
Lowdown: Much-fancied Surrey have endured a miserable campaign. Their visitors, on the other hand, have been first-class. Unbeaten after eight games, Sussex have been mightily impressive, combining a fearless top order with a who's who of T20 specialists with the ball. The fit-again left-arm duo fo Tymal Mills and Reece Topley have been excellent.
If you're in the crowd keep your eye out for any catches coming your way. Take one cleanly and a grand will be coming your way courtesy of Kia.
One to watch: Alex Carey. The Australian wicketkeeper has only batted three times for Sussex so far - in no small part down to the dominance of those above him. Laurie Evans, Phil Salt and Luke Wright have been in dominant mood. However, Carey - a World Cup star - struck 78 on his county debut and will be eager to add another major contribution.
Weather: A day of bleak, heavy rain on Wednesday will give way to more agreeable conditions. It is set to be dry and fairly warm in south London.
Tickets: Sold out
Prediction: Sussex
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