With hope for less rain and more action, The Cricketer looks ahead to Sunday's five fixtures...
The future of county cricket must rest in the hands of its ardent following
Where: Emerald Headingley, Leeds
When: Sunday, August 30, 2.00 pm
Lowdown: Derbyshire surprised everyone with a semi-final finish last year but face a Yorkshire side who even without those on England duty – Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow among others – are stacked with power-hitting.
One to watch: Subject to ECB clearance, Joe Root will be back for Yorkshire. It seems odd to think that a knock against Derbyshire could make or break his T20 career. If Root plays, expect the Test skipper to go big and he might have a bowl as well.
Weather: Overcast throughout but should remain rain-free in Leeds.
Tickets: The game will take place behind closed doors
Predictions: Yorkshire
Where: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
When: Sunday, August 30, 2.00 pm
Lowdown: Last year, Glamorgan recorded their worst ever points tally in T20 Blast history. This year, they're without Colin Ingram. Their opponents, Birmingham, will be expected to qualify for the knockout stages. Dom Sibley having scored 250 runs in eight games last year.
One to watch: After being left out of England's white-ball squad against Ireland, Sam Hain is one to watch; he scored 459 runs in last years' Blast.
Weather: Sunny spells throughout play in Wales.
Tickets: The game will take place behind closed doors
Predictions: Birmingham Bears
Sam Hain is back to make a point to his country
Where: The County Ground, Northampton
When: Sunday, August 30, 2.00 pm
Lowdown: Somerset are again missing both Tom Banton and Babar Azam – who has recently agreed to re-join after the conclusion of Pakistan's white-ball series against England.
One to watch: In last year's Blast, Tom Abell had a strike of 177.88. He enters this year's tournament having hit a century in Somerset's Bob Willis Trophy match against Gloucestershire.
Weather: Overcast conditions, with brief sunny spells.
Tickets: The game will take place behind closed doors
Predictions: Somerset.
Where: Kia Oval, London
When: Sunday, August 30, 2.00pm
Lowdown: Surrey gave three debutants – Gus Atkinson, Daniel Moriarty, and James Taylor a chance last time out. On Sunday, they face defending champions Essex, an experienced side led by the in-form Simon Harmer.
One to watch: Atkinson took his maiden T20 wicket last time out, dismissing Luke Wright who cut onto his stumps after a decent short ball from the Surrey youngster.
Weather: Overcast conditions dominate with light rain unlikely to interrupt.
Tickets: The game will take place behind closed doors
Predictions: Essex
Ravi Bopara will hope to improve on an even debut for the Sharks
Where: The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
When: Sunday, August 30, 2.00pm
Lowdown: It's going to take a while to get used to Ravi Bopara in the Sussex colours; on his debut, the former Essex all-rounder was the star of a comical runout. Sussex face a Hampshire side, who are skippered by James Vince, who hit 407 runs in last year's competition.
One to watch: Phil Salt hit a rapid 40 of just 22 balls before rain interrupted Sussex's match against Surrey. Expect, Salt to be in the runs again he continues to make a strong case to the England white-ball selectors.
Weather: Sunny throughout but there shouldn't be enough light rain to interrupt proceedings at Hove.
Tickets: The game will take place behind closed doors
Predictions: Sussex
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