Follow this evening’s eight NatWest T20 Blast games, the highlight of which sees Essex Eagles and Surrey, the South Group’s top two, clash.

By Dominic Farrell

Live Scores / Follow NatWest T20 Blast on Twitter

The good news is that there's sunshine @EssexCricket for their big clash vs @surreycricket. Roy + Bopara = fireworks pic.twitter.com/zc1jYorBTZ

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 4, 2014

6.07pm - Kyle Coetzer was the one batsman who looked to have settled for Northants but he becomes Ireland’s third victim. The seamer bowled through for superb figures of 3-19.

5.58pm - Could this be turning into a procession? Either way, it’s a ropey powerplay for Northants. Matt Spriegel gives returning wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien his second catch and Ireland a second wicket. The score is 40 for four.

UPDATE: If there is no more rain there will be an inspection at 6:20 then a toss at 6:30. 20 overs per side

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) July 4, 2014

5.51pm - More woe for Northants as Shreck accounts for Adam Rossington. 32 for three.

5.46pm - It’s been an impressive start from the Foxes, who now have Steelbacks dangerman David Willey back in the shed. Scott Styris holds on at mid-off and Anthony Ireland is the bowler celebrating. Northants are 26 for two after four overs.

Ground staff are hard at work and it seems the rain has stopped for the moment. pic.twitter.com/zjf8K6XQsV

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) July 4, 2014

5.30pm - Glamorgan against Somerset isn’t wasn’t do to get going for another hour but that start time has also been delayed. Soggy scenes all over the place.

But we do have cricket at Grace Road and, after opening up with two wides, Charlie Shreck locks in his radar to have Richard Levi caught behind.

Here is the wicket for tonight's game, it is a bit green but should be a good game #GoSteelbacks#reigndefendconquerpic.twitter.com/AxEwDr8A4E

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) July 4, 2014

5.11pm - Leicestershire Foxes have won the toss and will bowl against Northants Steelbacks. The Grace Road showdown could be the only one of our four scheduled 5.30pm fixtures to start on time as the rain falls at Durham, Worcester and Bristol.

Unfortunately the heavens have opened at New Road #catsanddogs

— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) July 4, 2014

5.05pm - One of the most mouthwatering clashes on the agenda is Lancashire Lightning’s trip to face Birmingham Bears, pitting Pakistan stars Junaid Khan and Shoaib Malik against one another. Unfortunately, the rain is teeming down at Edgbaston ahead of a scheduled 6.30pm start.

5pm – Hello and welcome to our NatWest T20 Blast blog. Here are today’s fixtures:

North Group

Durham Jets v Nottinghamshire Outlaws, Emirates Durham ICG, 5.30pm start

Leicestershire Foxes v Northants Steelbacks, Grace Road, 5.30pm

Worcestershire Rapids v Yorkshire Vikings, New Road, 5.30pm

Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning, Edgbaston, 6.30pm

South Group

Gloucestershire Gladiators v Sussex Sharks, Bristol, 5.30pm

Glamorgan v Somerset, the SWALEC Stadium, 6.30pm

Essex Eagles v Surrey, the Essex County Ground, 7pm

Kent Spitfires v Hampshire, the Spitfire Ground, 7pm

Leicestershire Foxes’ faint hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast were all but extinguished whenrain denied them a great chance of victory against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at Grace Road.

Frustratingly for the Foxes, they produced their best performance in the field in the competition this season - by bowling the Steelbacks out for 82 runs in 16.2 overs - before the rain swept in and the game was abandoned without another ball being bowled.

Umpires, Steve Garratt and Nigel Llong, waited as long as they could before making the decision but, after an 8.05pm inspection, it was clear that even the required minimum of five overs to make it a match would not be possible.

It was a blow to the home side who, with only two victories from their previous eight games, needed to win their final six to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four of the North Group.

Groundsman cover the wicket as the rain begins to fall. pic.twitter.com/zY1zAqlxbM

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) July 4, 2014

This would almost certainly have provided them with one of those wins.

Even in a five-over run chase they would have been favourites to reach a victory target of 27 under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

For defending champions Northamptonshire, the one point picked up from this no-result keeps them in contention as they have nine points on the board with four games remaining.

But after beating Birmingham Bears 24 hours earlier, the Steelbacks were blown away by the Foxes seam bowlers on a helpful, green-looking pitch that had good carry and bounce.

Only three batsmen, Kyle Coetzer, Steven Crook and James Middlebrook reached double figures and the innings contained just seven fours and a six.

Charlie Shreck, Anthony Ireland and Ben Raine all took three wickets, while Scott Styris had Ben Duckett caught behind by wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien with the second ball of the first over he has bowled in the competition this season.

O’Brien took five catches - a record for Leicestershire in Twenty20 cricket. It also equalled the domestic record for dismissals by a wicketkeeper.

Northamptonshire’s total of 82 was their second lowest in the competition after they were bowled out for 47 by Durham in 2011.

North Group front-runners Worcestershire Rapids and top-four rivals Yorkshire Vikings suffered a NatWest T20 Blast washout for the second Friday in succession as rain set in at New Road from 5pm.

Having shot to the top of the group during a club-record run of six consecutive wins, the Rapids remain on course for a quarter-final place despite encountering bad weather for the first time in the campaign with last week’s call-off against Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

For Yorkshire, their chances of qualifying for the knock-out stage are more in the balance after a soggy end to a crowded programme of five Twenty20 games in eight days.

@WorcsCCC it may be raining but #thebeardthatsfeared has made Harry's day! pic.twitter.com/CfIqe6Zz33

— Charles Annable (@cpga1970) July 4, 2014

They have taken four points in all, two from a victory over Leicestershire Foxes and one apiece from the rained-off games against Lancashire Lightning and Worcestershire, but inconsistency showed up in defeats by Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and Durham Jets at Headingley.

The batting collapse against Durham in midweek, when they were bowled out for 95 in 17.2 overs, took them close to their lowest total in the competition.

First-team coach Jason Gillespie said the performance was “unacceptable” but his call for an immediate improvement at Worcester came to nothing.

As expected the clouds rolled in shortly before the scheduled starting time and, while the rain was never a downpour, there was never much chance of getting the ground ready.

Umpires Jeff Evans and Richard Illingworth made the inevitable decision at 7.05pm.

For Illingworth, a former championship-winning player with Worcestershire, it was a disappointing first appearance at New Road as an umpire.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is hoping that a run of bad weather does not impact on future attendances.

"We hope they don't think they (the fans) have had enough of this," he said after the Rapids' second successive abandonment.

"It's very disappointing not to be able to get any cricket. We can't do anything about the weather but it has hit us hard the last two Fridays.

"Let's keep our fingers crossed that Sunday is a bright day and we can get some cricket (against Lancashire at New Road)."

Ian Cockbain hit a 33-ball half-century as Gloucestershire beat Sussex Sharks by 13 runs at Bristol to keep alive their hopes of reaching the NatWest T20 Blast quarter-finals.

A match reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain saw the hosts make 138 for seven after losing the toss, Cockbain hitting four fours and three sixes in his 52.

Sussex captain Chris Nash’s decision to field first with more rain threatening backfired as his side ended up batting in near darkness and bowled out for 125 in the final over.

The result took Gloucestershire, who began the campaign with a two-point deduction, level with Sussex on eight points with both counties in striking distance of fourth place in the South Group.

Gloucestershire’s score was built on a second-wicket stand of 69 in seven overs between Cockbain and stand-in skipper Alex Gidman after Chris Dent fell early to Lewis Hatchett.

Cockbain hit Hatchett over midwicket for the first six of the game in the fourth over and followed up with maximums off Steffan Piolet and Nash.

STAR MAN! @Gloscricket's Ian Cockbain nets a bottle of champers. His thumping 52 earns him MOTM on @SkyCricketpic.twitter.com/VLTvhhEltb

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 4, 2014

Gidman helped take the score to 81 in the ninth over when well caught above his head on the deep midwicket boundary by Piolet off Will Beer for 22.

Leg-spinner Beer went for only 21 from his three overs in mid-innings and helped stem the Gloucestershire run-rate with two wickets as they slipped to 116 for seven after 14 overs.

Then Graeme McCarter launched a late assault on Hatchett, hitting him for four, six, four off the first three balls of the final over, which ended up worth 20 to the hosts, including a wide.

Yasir Arafat claimed two of the wickets, while Chris Liddle was the most economical Sussex bowler, his three overs costing 19. Will Gidman was 26 not out at the end of the innings.

Sussex suffered an early setback in their run chase when Luke Wright was caught behind for a duck by trialist wicketkeeper Adam Rouse, standing up to seamer Will Gidman.

With the light fading, the visitors looked to face a stiff task. It got more difficult when Luke Wells was caught by the diving Rouse off David Payne for three in the second over.

Nash responded with four, four, six at the start of Will Gidman’s second over, but fell for 25 when cutting David Payne straight to Cockbain at point in the fifth and final over of powerplay, which ended with Sussex 47 for three.

Matt Machan kept Sussex up with the required rate with 28 off 19 balls but, when he was lbw trying to sweep left-arm spinner Tom Smith in the seventh over, Gloucestershire sensed their chance.

LISTEN: Hear the thoughts of Mark Robinson following tonight's 13 run defeat to Gloucestershire @BBCSussexSporthttp://t.co/ET0IHzEHn5

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) July 4, 2014

Ben Brown and Beer did their best in gloomy conditions, but Jack Taylor dismissed the former in conceding only five from the 13th over and Sussex required two a ball.

McCarter kept it tight and 16 were needed off the last over from Taylor. Beer was brilliantly caught on the boundary by Hamish Marshall at full stretch above his head for 18 to end Sussex hopes.

Alex Gidman took another fine catch to end the game and Sussex coach Mark Robinson was left to reflect: “T20 is a game that is often decided by inches.

“If Marshall had touched the boundary it would have been six and we would still have had a chance. It was so dark at the end, but T20 is all about entertainment and we have just lost an excellent game of cricket.”

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell was pleased with the result and said: “We are getting some momentum in the competition because players are fronting up when it matters and we remain in the hunt for a quarter-final place.”

Hampshire cruised to a 47-run away win over South Group rivals Kent Spitfires to cement their place in the NatWest T20 Blast qualification places.

Full value for their seventh win of the campaign, Hampshire posted a competitive 173 for nine then rolled over the misfiring Spitfires for 126.

Hampshire's victory in Canterbury all but put paid to Kent's hopes of making the knock-out phase as they suffered a sixth defeat in 10 starts.

Hampshire made an electric start to the game as James Vince smashed the first ball of the night from Darren Stevens for four, only to feather the next to wicketkeeper Sam Billings.

Michael Carberry teed off in Stevens' next over, smashing three fours and a six from successive deliveries before holing out to Adam Ball on the ropes at deep midwicket to make it 37 for two.

After clubbing three fours in his short stay, Jimmy Adams nicked an airy drive against Mitchell Claydon through to the keeper to leave Hampshire on 62 for three at the end of the powerplay.

Glenn Maxwell looked set for big things after lofting Ball for a maximum, only to miscue medium pacer Ben Harmison into the hands of long-on for 13.

Sean Ervine and Will Smith regrouped in adding 50 for the fifth wicket in 6.2 overs, the highlight of which was Ervine's sublime lofted extra-cover drive for six off Adam Riley.

Kent broke the stand in the 15th over when Smith, who hit 37, chopped on when attempting to cut against Ball, ending a partnership of 69 in 8.2 overs.

Chris Wood was sent back when attempting an impossible single to midwicket and Kyle Abbott, making room to his first delivery, was bowled by James Tredwell as the visitors lost three for three.

Ervine was three short of a first T20 fifty of the campaign when he lost his leg stump to a yorker from Claydon, the pick of Kent's attack in a four-over stint of 2-26 that ended with the run-out of Matt Coles, for 29, in his first match at the Spitfire Ground since leaving Kent last season.

Kent made a sluggish start to their pursuit, losing Daniel Bell-Drummond for one to a sliced drive to cover against Wood.

Sam Northeast followed suit off the bowling of Coles, leaving Kent in trouble at 38 for two after their powerplay – 24 behind the same stage of Hampshire's innings.

Having struggled to find his timing, Fabian Cowdrey's 22 from 27 balls ended with a stumping by Michael Bates and at the mid-point, Kent required a further 109 from 10 overs.

Acting captain Stevens attempted to accelerate by slog-sweeping Smith for six but, in trying to repeat the feat, he skied to the keeper to go for 23 and - at 74 for four – the Spitfires' victory hopes effectively went with him.

With 60 required from the last five overs, Billings drove to extra cover, Alex Blake miscued to long-on and Ball, Harmison, Claydon and Riley all had their stumps rearranged at the tail end of a limp run chase.

Essex Eagles eased to an eighth victory in this year's NatWest T20 Blast, beating Surrey by five wickets to retain top spot in the South Group.

In front of a capacity Essex County Ground crowd, the hosts won with nine balls to spare, despite a scare in mid-innings when fast bowler Matt Dunn struck twice in an over to remove Ravi Bopara and Mark Pettini after they shared in a stand of 51 in six overs.

Overall, though, the Surrey bowling proved too wayward to pose many problems as Essex hauled in 165 for four with nine deliveries to spare.

After Jesse Ryder was caught behind from the third ball of the innings sent down by Azhar Mahmood, Tom Westley thrived as he took full advantage of leg-side deliveries to hit a punishing 38 from 20 balls, with the help of one six and six fours.

His innings was cut short when Kevin O'Brien trapped him lbw, but his dismissal brought in Bopara to join Pettini and they quickly took the game away from Surrey with some fine driving and pulling.

The momentum checked when Bopara was removed lbw by Dunn for 24 from 19 balls, while Pettini was bowled for 42 from 29 to leave Essex 108 for four with eight overs remaining.

Ben Foakes quickly became another victim of O'Brien, caught and bowled off a skier, but Ryan ten Doeschate took charge to condemn a Surrey team on a run of four successive victories to defeat.

The Essex one-day skipper finished unbeaten with 40 from 32 balls to emerge with the man-of-the-match award.

Tom Curran conceded 34 runs from three overs, while O'Brien, despite his two successes, went for 32 from his three.

Surrey's total owed much to skipper Gary Wilson who, arriving after the loss of Kevin Pietersen for a single, contributed an unbeaten 63 from 44 deliveries with the aid of six fours.

O'Brien, who twice struck left-arm paceman Reece Topley for six, contributed 33 from 22 deliveries and it was while trying to clear the ropes for a third time against Bopara that he was caught at long-on by Ten Doeschate.

Jason Roy also struck two sixes, both straight drives against fast bowler Matt Salisbury, while making 29 from 24 balls before a wild swish against Bopara saw him lose his off stump.

But it was a night to forget for Pietersen, whose solitary run came from 11 deliveries, his dismissal coming when he was stumped off a wide down the leg side to provide left-arm spinner Tim Phillips with his only success.

A strangely subdued Pietersen had been lucky to survive much earlier in his brief stay.

He was almost run out at the non-striker's end before facing and was then left doubled-up when struck painfully and sensitively by a drive from Roy immediately afterwards, but recovered just in time to make his ground.

The Essex attack showed the value of line and length, something that was to elude the visitors in their vain attempt to protect their total.

Phillips conceded just 25 in his four overs while Bopara went for 29 in an allocation that also included the wicket of Roy when he breached the in-form opener's defence.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: "We kept our discipline and our skill levels when we bowled and that was pleasing.

"We are in really good form at the moment in white-ball cricket and always fancy our chances of chasing down a total."

Surrey spinner Gareth Batty had no complaints about the outcome.

"We didn't score enough runs, it's as simple as that," he said. "We needed more runs in the powerplay.

"But Essex played very well and fully deserved their victory."

A wrap of Friday evening’s NatWest T20 Blast games, where leaders Essex Eagles, Hampshire and Gloucestershire claimed South Group wins as rain ruined the entertainment elsewhere.

By Dominic Farrell

Follow NatWest T20 Blast on Twitter

10.09pm - That's it from me as Essex stay top of the South Group, with Hampshire hot on their heels after impressive wins for both.

Gloucestershire saw off Sussex to keep their quarter-final hopes flickering but rain ruled the roost elsewhere.

Here are the vital statistics from all that. See you again next time.

South Group

Essex Eagles (166/5) beat Surrey (165/4) by five wickets in their top-of-the-table clash at the Essex County Ground.

Hampshire (173/9) beat Kent Spitfires by 47 runs at the Spitfire Ground.

Gloucestershire Gladiators (138/7) beat Sussex Sharks (125) by 13 runs in a match reduced to 15 over per-side at Bristol.

Somerset won the toss against Glamorgan but the SWALEC Stadium saw no further action.

North Group

Northants Steelbacks were bundled out for 82 by Leicestershire Foxes but rain arrived to spare the champions’ blushes.

The games betweenWorcestershire Rapids and Yorkshire Vikings, Birmingham Bears and Lancashire Lightning and Durham Jets and Nottinghamshire Outlaws were all abandoned without a ball being bowled.

9.48pm - RESULT! Essex Eagles (166/5) beat Surrey (165/4) by five wickets at the Essex County Ground. That’s finishing of the highest order from Ryan ten Doeschate, who brings it home for the hosts with 40 from 30 balls. By contrast, Surrey’s scoring rate stalled in the early stages of their innings and that ultimately cost them.

Essex remain two points clear at the South Group summit, while Surrey are replaced in second by Hampshire. That’s the last of tonight’s live action so we’ll get a summary up for you shortly.

9.40pm - RESULT! Hampshire (173/9) beat Kent Spitfires (126) by 47 runs at the Spitfire Ground. Wood continues a theme, rearranging Adam Riley’s furniture to finish with a magnificent haul of 4-24. None of this looked likely when Hampshire slumped to 62 for four, but Sean Ervine’s knock was a game-changer. 

Hampshire go level on 14 points at the South Group summit with Essex but, with the latter needing six from 14 balls to beat Surrey, that state of affairs doesn’t look like lasting too long.

9.38pm - Wood bowls Adam Ball and Kyle Abbott does likewise to Ben Harmison and Mitchell Claydon. Hampshire more or less home and hosed.

9.33pm - Blake goes and that might also be Kent’s faint hopes leaving the field. Chris Wood joins Coles in doubling up.

Ben Foakes sends a return catch to Kevin O’Brien and Essex are five down. A mighty six from James Foster does something to calm the nerves.

9.24pm - Could things get interesting at the Essex County Ground? Dunn bowled Pettini to end his explosive efforts. Eight singles from 10 balls have followed in a circumspect period for the hosts.

Matt Coles has his second wicket at the Spitfire Ground - it’s been a superb evening for the all-rounder. Billings is back indoors for 19 and Kent are up against it on 114 for five. Blake has 25 from 19 and much rests on his shoulders.

9.17pm - Matt Dunn traps Ravi Bopara lbw for 24 the ball after being smeared for a massive six. Essex remain very much in the box seat, needing 59 from 50 deliveries with Mark Pettini 42 not out.

Alex Blake and Sam Billings have a far stiffer task in hand for Kent, needing 81 from 40.

Wicket Stevens c †Bates b Smith 23. Kent Spitfires 76/4 (11 overs) Blake 6* Billings 0* #KENvHAM

— Kent Cricket (@kentcricket) July 4, 2014

9.04pm - Well, Cowdrey won’t be going big - he’s stumped off Danny Briggs’ first delivery of the match.

8.59pm - Kent bring up 50 in the eighth over, with Fabian Cowdrey and Darren Stevens unbeaten on 19 and 11 respectively. The Spitfires could do with one of those pair going big.

Essex 62-2 after 6 overs..Westley LBW b O'Brien 39

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 4, 2014

8.50pm - RESULT! Gloucestershire (138/7) beat Sussex Sharks (125) by 13 runs at Bristol. Two fine catches in the deep from Hamish Marshall and skipper Alex Gidman cap a superb fielding display from Gloucestershire and give off-spinner Taylor 3-12. Ian Cockbain’s 52 was a huge factor in the hosts posting a match-winning total. They might have been reduced to 15 overs per-side at Bristol, but there was no shortage of entertainment.

8.44pm - Another yorker and another man bowled. McCarter is the man to get rid of Steffan Piolet. Will Beer responds with a four through midwicket, moving to 17, and Sussex need 18 from eight balls. 

8.40pm - Jack Taylor yorks Brown from around the wicket and the game could be up for Sussex.

Excellent start from Hampshire - Wood has dismissed Bell-Drummond (1). Kent are 8-1 after 2 overs. #T20Blast

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) July 4, 2014

8.35pm - SMACK! Ben Brown welts a reverse sweep for four behind square. But back come Gloucestershire as Will Gidman bowls dangerman Yasir Arafat. Sussex 101 for six needing 38 from 22.

8.30pm - Graeme McCarter is the latest Gloucestershire player to showcase his all-round skills by trapping Harry Finch lbw for 16. Sussex are 84 for five - 55 from 32 is the equation.

Surrey 165-4 after 20 overs...Wilson 63*, Mahmood 13* pic.twitter.com/HwwxDd7FVq

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) July 4, 2014

8.19pm - Gary Wilson has an unbeaten 54 to his name as Surrey head into the final over on 151 for four at Essex. Kevin O’Brien’s 33 was similarly influential on the London county getting their foot down.

Hampshire complete their 20 with 173 for nine against Kent. From 62 or four, that’s a superb recovery from Hampshire. Will Smith and Coles supported Ervine wonderfully with 37 and 29 respectively.

Tom Smith traps Matt Machan lbw for 28 and Sussex are 66 for four, needing 73 from 48 balls.

8.15pm - Another one bites the dust. Birmingham and Lancashire leave Edgbaston with a point a piece. The weather stopped all four North Group games from garnering a result. The top six in the division failed to take to the field at all.

8.12pm - Chris Nash cuts Payne to Ian Cockbain at point for a 10-ball 25 and Sussex are 42 for three. These two are neck and neck, but there’s a drop of rain in the air.

8.09pm - Match abandoned at Grace Road - that's one hell of an escape for Northants Steelbacks after getting rolled for 82.

Claydon rearranges Ervine’s stumps three shy of 50 and Hampshire have two overs to add to 148 for eight.

8.01pm - Two in two for Kent! Chris Wood is run out and James Tredwell bowls Kyle Abbott as both fail to trouble the scorers. Hampshire’s recovery, lead by Sean Ervine’s 45 not out has taken some heavy damage.

Despite a toss taking place, there will be no game at Cardiff as Glamorgan versus Somerset is abandoned.

7.58pm - Another fine catch behind the timbers from Adam Rouse and Gloucestershire have a dream start. David Payne sends Luke Wells packing and the Sharks are four for two.

7.55pm - Will Gidman just showed great form with the bat and he has a huge breakthrough with the new ball. The all-rounder gets one seaming away from Luke Wright, who feathers behind for a duck.

Wicket! Smith b Ball 37. Hampshire 131/5 (14.3 overs) #KENvHAM

— Kent Cricket (@kentcricket) July 4, 2014

7.45pm - Wonderful cameo from Graeme McCarter, who swats 16 from five ball and helps Gloucestershire post 138 for seven from their 15 overs. A very useful 26 not out from Will Gidman as well. This reduced-over contest at Bristol could end up being a bit of a thriller.

7.42pm - Ravi Bopara bowls Jason Roy for 29 and Surrey are 65 for three in the 10th over. This is devilishly tight stuff from Essex.

7.39pm - Into the final over at Bristol and the score is 118 for seven. Luke Wells held a steepler to remove Jack Taylor for zip and help Arafat end with 2-26.

7.35pm - Nash in the wickets now as Hamish Marshall is the latest Gloucestershire batsman to be caught in the deep. They’re 111 for six with two overs left.

Entertainment at the SWALEC while we wait for the weather to clear https://t.co/2SdWDKZUGg

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) July 4, 2014

7.30pm - Match abandoned between Durham and Notts without a ball bowled. A frustrating evening for two teams looking to advance their quarter-final prospects. They remain fifth and third respectively in the North Group.

WICKET! HE'S DONE IT! Phillips bowls a wide, but smart work by Foster down the legside gets rid of Pietersen for 1! Essex jubliant #EssvSur

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 4, 2014

7.27pm - Matt Machan takes a superb catch at long-off to remove Cockbain off Yasir Arafat. Advantage Sussex?

7.25pm - Scratchy stuff from Surrey as slow left-armer Tim Phillips sends down a maiden to Pietersen.

Another destructive hitter not having the best of times is Glenn Maxwell, who falls for 13 to Ben Harmison and Hampshire are struggling on 62 for four.

7.22pm - Well, that takes the gloss (Glos?) off Cockbain’s fifty as Benny Howell is run out going for a second. The hosts are well placed on 89 for four with 29 deliveries remaining but Sussex have dragged this back impressively.

7.17pm - Will Beer pins Adam Rouse lbw first ball and Gloucestershire are 81 for three. Ian Cockbain going brilliantly on 46 from 28.

Matt Salisbury bowls Steven Davies to bring Kevin Pietersen to the crease for Surrey.

Hampshire are three down as Mitchell Claydon has Jimmy Adams caught at the wicket.

WICKET..Alex Gidman goes for a big hit off Beer but is well held on the boundary by Piolet who stays clear of the rope. 80/2 in the 9th over

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) July 4, 2014

7.13pm - Michael Carberry, whose new contract with Hampshire was confirmed today, was really starting to motor against old county Kent. But Stevens gets revenge after being taken for three consecutive fours and a six.

7.10pm - Match abandoned without a ball being bowled at New Road. North Group leaders Worcestershire share the points with Yorkshire. Unfortunately, the prospects do not look a whole lot better for the games at the Emirates Durham ICG and Edgbaston.

7.07pm - Could Northants be set to get out of jail? It’s raining heavily at Grace Road.

7.03pm - Excellent powerplay from Gloucestershire, with Ian Cockbain and Alex Gidman doing most of the damage as they bring up 49 for one from five overs.

Early breakthrough for Kent as talisman Darren Stevens has James Vince caught behind. Big wicket.

6.55pm - D’oh! It’s raining again at Worcester.

Raining very lightly at the mo. We do have 30 minutes extra to make up for lost time, but just need the rain to stop pic.twitter.com/7S3dCiKABL

— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) July 4, 2014

6.50pm - Chris Dent lobs a pull up to midwicket off Lewis Hatchett to depart for seven and Sussex have an early breakthrough.

6.46pm - At the SWALEC Stadium, Somerset win the toss and…yes, you guessed it… bowl.

It’s stopped raining at New Road, where there will be a 7.10pm inspection.

Gloucestershire take nine off the first over against Sussex.

6.41pm - That’s all she wrote - Northants Steelbacks all out for 82 as Olly Stone chops on to Shreck. The rangy seamer finishes with 3-13 and the Foxes are heavy favourites.

6.38pm - Kent are the fourth team to win the toss and field this evening. The Spitfires’ game against Hampshire looks like it will get away on time.

News from the toss - Essex won the toss and will bowl. Team news shortly! #EssvSurhttps://t.co/jFunv9KPLE

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 4, 2014

6.33pm - Raine joins Ireland on three wickets as Graeme White trudges back and the end is nigh for Northants.

6.30pm - Sussex skipper Chris Nash calls correctly and asks Gloucestershire to bat. It will be a 15-over game at Bristol.

Ground staff are out in the middle but it is still raining and there are dark clouds still around

— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) July 4, 2014

6.25pm - O’Brien pouches a fourth as Ben Raine gets Steven Crook for 17. The all-rounder threatened a recovery of sorts in a stand of 21 with James Middlebrook… but the same combination does for him as well! The Steelbacks in disarray on 76 for eight.

The players are out of the dressing rooms and ready for the T20 Blast at The E.C.G! https://t.co/IpANxcy6BR

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 4, 2014

6.11pm - If there’s no more rain we’re looking at a 6.45pm start for Gloucestershire against Sussex.

Northants are in big danger of failing to bat their overs. O’Brien’s gloves prove reliable again as Styris dismisses Ben Duckett. It’s 54 for six just before halfway.

The good news is that there's sunshine @EssexCricket for their big clash vs @surreycricket. Roy + Bopara = fireworks pic.twitter.com/zc1jYorBTZ

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 4, 2014

6.07pm - Kyle Coetzer was the one batsman who looked to have settled for Northants but he becomes Ireland’s third victim. The seamer bowled through for superb figures of 3-19.

5.58pm - Could this be turning into a procession? Either way, it’s a ropey powerplay for Northants. Matt Spriegel gives returning wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien his second catch and Ireland a second wicket. The score is 40 for four.

UPDATE: If there is no more rain there will be an inspection at 6:20 then a toss at 6:30. 20 overs per side

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) July 4, 2014

5.51pm - More woe for Northants as Shreck accounts for Adam Rossington. 32 for three.

5.46pm - It’s been an impressive start from the Foxes, who now have Steelbacks dangerman David Willey back in the shed. Scott Styris holds on at mid-off and Anthony Ireland is the bowler celebrating. Northants are 26 for two after four overs.

Ground staff are hard at work and it seems the rain has stopped for the moment. pic.twitter.com/zjf8K6XQsV

— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) July 4, 2014

5.30pm - Glamorgan against Somerset isn’t going to begin for another hour but that start time has also been delayed. Soggy scenes all over the place.

But we do have cricket at Grace Road and, after opening up with two wides, Charlie Shreck locks in his radar to have Richard Levi caught behind.

Here is the wicket for tonight's game, it is a bit green but should be a good game #GoSteelbacks#reigndefendconquerpic.twitter.com/AxEwDr8A4E

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) July 4, 2014

5.11pm - Leicestershire Foxes have won the toss and will bowl against Northants Steelbacks. The Grace Road showdown could be the only one of our four scheduled 5.30pm fixtures to start on time as the rain falls at Durham, Worcester and Bristol.

Unfortunately the heavens have opened at New Road #catsanddogs

— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) July 4, 2014

5.05pm - One of the most mouthwatering clashes on the agenda is Lancashire Lightning’s trip to face Birmingham Bears, pitting Pakistan stars Junaid Khan and Shoaib Malik against one another. Unfortunately, the rain is teeming down at Edgbaston ahead of a scheduled 6.30pm start.

5pm – Hello and welcome to our NatWest T20 Blast blog. Here are today’s fixtures:

North Group

Durham Jets v Nottinghamshire Outlaws, Emirates Durham ICG, 5.30pm start

Leicestershire Foxes v Northants Steelbacks, Grace Road, 5.30pm

Worcestershire Rapids v Yorkshire Vikings, New Road, 5.30pm

Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning, Edgbaston, 6.30pm

South Group

Gloucestershire Gladiators v Sussex Sharks, Bristol, 5.30pm

Glamorgan v Somerset, the SWALEC Stadium, 6.30pm

Essex Eagles v Surrey, the Essex County Ground, 7pm

Kent Spitfires v Hampshire, the Spitfire Ground, 7pm

By Matt Somerford

The most bankable constant in county cricket is on the verge of being realised yet again.

Hampshire have not quite booked their NatWest T20 Blastquarter-final ticket, but the south-coast county are only a step away from reaching the last-eight for the sixth successive season.

It is a remarkable record given the whim and fortune the sprint format can depend upon, but most probably Hampshire are just proving there is a fine art to Twenty20 that can be learned.

With an unprecedented fifth successive finals day also beckoning it is fair to assume the blueprint for Twenty20 success is a well-thumbed document down at the Ageas Bowl.

For other envious counties it is an essential read to get their hands on.

James Vince is in his first season at the helm of Hampshire in Twenty20 cricket, and has overseen a seamless handover of power from the now-retired Dimi Mascarenhas, who freely admitted his job was made easier by a team that knew what was required from them.

Perhaps that has been a key element in freeing Vince to lead from the front, quite literally, at the top of the order as he has enjoyed a breakthrough season.

The Blast has offered him the perfect platform to showcase the expansive side of his engaging talent, with 279 runs at an average of 31 placing him amongst the competition’s top runscorers.

Australian team-mate Glenn Maxwell has been enamoured enough to label Vince as a “superstar”.

Even when the runs have not flowed as freely for Vince, he has the luxury of a power-packed line-up behind him including the likes of Jimmy Adams, Michael Carberry, Sean Ervine and Maxwell.

They are names to strike fear into the heart of opposition bowling attacks.

But the Hampshire blueprint is not just reliant on heavy hitting and their recent results provide an insight into how important their bowlers are – especially at defending scores.

Hampshire have won six of their seven games when they have bowled second this season. By contrast they have lost two of their three games when they’ve got first use of the ball. Their bowlers appear to like a target.

Even more impressively Hampshire have four bowlers who have taken 10 or more wickets – no other team has more than two bowlers who fit into that category.

England spinner Danny Briggs has made his name as a short-format expert – he was the competition’s runner-up wicket-taker in 2010 and 2011 – and is again second on the chart this term with 15 at 14.46.

In able assistance are seamers Chris Wood (12), Will Smith (11) and Matt Coles (10) while South Africa international Kyle Abbott adds further capable depth.

Hampshire’s seamers were critical in Friday night’s 47-run win over Kent Spitfires, which ominously moved them up to second in the South Group.

Wood’s 4-24 was the stand-out, as he provoked a Spitfires collapse of six for 12, while Coles and Abbott both struck twice as reward for strangling the home batting.

It has become a telling recent trend for Hampshire, who have defended a target in their past four games – winning three times and twice by six runs or less.

With Hampshire delivering on a well-rehearsed formula - and their next three Blast games all at their Ageas Bowl fortress - the rest of the competition take note.

Sussex will head into their bottom-of-the-table clash with Northamptonshire fighting an injury crisis.

The south-coast county are in desperate need of a win – they have not tasted success in the LV= County Championship in almost three months - but fortune is currently not on board as their physio room becomes ever more crowded.

A patched up team is likely to be sent out against last-placed Northamptonshire, who ended a seven-game losing run with a draw at Lord’s last week.

Head coach Mark Robinson is set to make a decision on the fitness of Rory Hamilton-Brown (wrist) and Matt Machan (fractured finger) while James Anyon is unlikely to be ready for his first championship match in a month.

Ed Joyce, who missed Friday night’s NatWest Blast T20 defeat at Gloucestershire, and Luke Wright are not at full fitness, but Robinson will call on them both at the Brighton&HoveJobs.com County Ground as they chase a much-needed win.

“Ed Joyce and Luke Wright are both fit to play but they are not 100 per cent,” he told BBC Radio.

“Luke can’t bowl. Jimmy Anyon we don’t think will be fit, there’s a chance, but we don’t think he’ll be fit.

“Matt Machan has a fractured finger which is causing him discomfort and has an injection every time he bats at the moment so we have to monitor that.

“Rory Hamilton-Brown - his wrist kept him out of this game. He’s an outside chance of being okay for Sunday.

“We’ve got to see where Mach is and where Rory is.”

Sussex began the season with back-to-back wins, but they have failed to add to that tally in their eight championship games since.

The absence of Matt Prior and Chris Jordan to England duty, and Jon Lewis’ own injury problems, had added to Sussex’s problems, but Robinson has called on his side to pull together in adversity.

“We’ve got a lot of doubts. It’s a tough time for the team at the moment because we’re carrying a lot of niggles and a few injuries and results haven’t gone quite as we want,” he said.

“All you can do as a club is one to try and stay close and two to keep a lot of faith.

“You have to keep giving confidence - especially to the less experienced players and any player that is going through bad form.

“That’s what this club and its supporters have done since I’ve been here.”

Northants could give a debut to Adam Rossington after the wicketkeeper-batsman signed a one-month loan from Middlesex this week.

Rossington has been brought in primarily to strengthen a batting line-up that has itself suffered from injury with Rob Newton, David Sales and Rob Keogh sidelined.

Northamptonshire are yet to win in the four-day format and there hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the second tier would seemingly hinge on getting a result at Hove.

Surrey are making a strong claim to go the other way after recovering from their slow start to the season.

Back-to-back wins, before last week’s home draw against second-placed Hampshire, has left them just outside the promotion places.

They face a difficult journey to Colwyn Bay to take on Glamorgan, who sit just below them in fourth.

Surrey will be without opener Tillakaratne Dilshan after his return to Sri Lanka for their one-day international series against South Africa. 

Arun Harinath, Dominic Sibley, Tom Curran and Chris Tremlett all return to the squad for the trip to north Wales.

For Worcestershire Rapids opener Richard Oliver tomorrow’s top-of-the-table NatWest T20 Blast clash with Lancashire Lightning could offer the chance to go head-to-head with a childhood hero.

Andrew Flintoff is widely-tipped to make his competitive return at New Road, five years after retiring following the 2009 Ashes success.

It is a thought that enthuses the 24-year-old Oliver, who grew up idolising Flintoff.

"Freddie was one of my heroes and it would be a privilege to play against him - like it is a lot of these guys,” Oliver told the club’s official website.

"As professionals, we don't tend to get overawed by whoever we play, we just enjoy the privilege, and it's nice to be part of an occasion like that.

"He'll bring the crowds in weather permitting and it's a dream for everyone to see him playing still.

"I think it's fantastic that he has made a comeback and he must be in pretty good shape and hitting the ball well and bowling well in the nets.”

Flintoff, who has played two second XI games, was named in the squad to play Birmingham Bears on Friday night only for the weather to put his comeback on hold for at least another couple of days.

Afterwards Lancashire skipper Glen Chapple revealed Flintoff had been a “strong chance” to take his place and heighten expectations ahead of the Lightning’s visit to New Road.

"It can only be a good thing for cricket and only a good thing for Worcestershire if we can sell more tickets and get more people in,” Oliver said.

"I'd be happy to see him - providing we win.”

Flintoff aside, Sunday’s match looms as a belter between two sides that are separated at the top of the North Group by net run-rate alone.

The Rapids have not lost since a 12-run defeat to Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford on the second day of the competition back in May

Six wins on the spin followed before their past two games,including Friday night’s clash against Yorkshire Vikings, were rained out without a ball being bowled.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes has kept faith with the 13-man squad that was due to meet the Vikings, with spinner Brett D'Oliveira named after his father, and academy coach, Damian D'Oliveira passed away last Sunday.

"He recognises that his dad would have wanted him to carry on playing cricket. When you are concentrating on the match, it takes your mind off other things,” Rhodes said.

"Damian wouldn't have liked any sorrow from anyone and he would have wanted his son to carry on as normal and try and win games of cricket and do well himself.”

All-rounder Ross Whiteley is included after an injection to ease a shoulder problem while Moeen Ali is out as he prepares for the first Investec Test against India.

Hampshire can take over at the top of the South Group when they host Somerset at the Ageas Bowl.

Hampshire are on course to reach the knockout stage for a sixth successive season, however, Somerset’s hopes of progressing were all but ended with Friday’s rain-off at Glamorgan.

Chris Wood claimed career-best figures of 4-24 as Hampshire claimed a seventh win in nine games by 47 runs over Kent Spitfires last night.

Hampshire have named an unchanged squad for a match designated as a ‘Family Festival’ day at the Ageas Bowl.

The only other Blast match on Sunday will see the North Group’s bottom two, Derbyshire Falcons and Leicestershire Foxes, meet at the picturesque Queen's Park in Chesterfield.

Leicestershire will head north feeling aggrieved after they skittled champions Northamptonshire Steelbacks for 82 on Friday only for the rain to sweep in and force a draw that virtually ended the Foxes’ quarter-finals hopes.

Derbyshire, who have just one Blast win this term, are the only county below them in the table.

The Foxes opened the season with a high-scoring 27-run win over Derbyshire at Grace Road, when Marcus North hit 90 off 42 balls in a losing cause.

North is included in the Falcons’ 13-man squad with fellow overseas signing Shivnarine Chanderpaul not included.

Tom Knight has been drafted in after a career-best 125 against Yorkshire in a second XI game on Thursday.

“It’s good to be back at Chesterfield and the guys can’t wait,” Wayne Madsen told Derbyshire’s website.

“Leicestershire have some real power hitters at the top of the order and they also do a tidy job with the ball. They are a team who, on their day, can be very dangerous.

“We probably gave them too many runs at their place in the first game of the season, but we will be looking to improve ourselves and perform better on Sunday.”

By Callum Dent

Chris Jordan sees the Investec Test Series against India as the perfect opportunity for England to bounce back from their agonising defeat to Sri Lanka.

Alastair Cook’s side were two balls away from batting out the final day at Headingley to claim a share of the spoils, but James Anderson’s dismissal handed the tourists their maiden five-day series victory on these shores.

That loss will act as inspiration for England to respond strongly in the five matches versus India, starting at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, according to Jordan.

Asked if these contests provide a chance to turn things around, the all-rounder told ecb.co.uk: “Yes, 100 per cent. Any opportunity you get to put on an England shirt is an opportunity to impress and showcase your talent, both as a team and individually.

“We will be doing everything possible to put it right.”

England have been preparing for the Nottingham clash with a two-day training camp at Loughborough and, despite that heart-breaking loss in their last outing, Jordan insists the spirit in the squad is very upbeat.

He said: “The mood is brilliant. We had two days at Loughborough which was very productive, both for team spirit and skills. 

.@ECB_cricket all-rounder Chris Jordan coaching at The Ageas Bowl ahead of the Test Match here in July! #ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/FHtxNkJvQV

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) July 3, 2014

“The mood in the camp is excellent which is credit to (Peter) Mooresy and Cooky at the minute for creating that environment. It allows players to go out there and express themselves.

“As long as we keep sticking to our processes and sticking to the basics as a team, I think we will be okay.”

Jordan, who made his England debut in a one-day international with Australia at the Ageas Bowl in September, was given a Test bow at Lord’s last month.

But with just two matches against Sri Lanka, he is now excited at the prospect of facing India for a longer duration.

Speaking at the Ageas Bowl, Jordan said: “It’s very exciting. I was very grateful that I was named in the squad and hopefully if I get the nod, I can put in some good performances for England in this series.”

Only three of Duncan Fletcher’s 18-man travelling party have played Test cricket on English soil.

And Jordan believes that makes for an interesting spectacle, adding: “They have some very talented batsmen so it will make for an interesting series.

“We are an emerging side and so are they. Both teams will be looking to impress at every opportunity they get. It will be good viewing.” 

To purchase tickets for the third Investec Test between England and India at the Ageas Bowl, click here. 

Aaron Finch stole the show from the great and good of cricket's recent past as his unbeaten 181 carried MCC to a seven-wicket victory over the Rest of the World in the Lord's bicentenary celebration.

Australia batsman Finch, currently Yorkshire's overseas professional, clubbed 23 fours and six sixes in 145 balls to outshine the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid and Adam Gilchrist.

MCC, owners of the home of cricket, cruised past RoW's 293 for seven with 25 deliveries remaining when Finch thrashed fellow centurion Yuvraj Singh for six.

It was a less enjoyable day for Finch's compatriot and RoW captain Shane Warne, who had his right hand broken by former Australia team-mate Brett Lee.

Warne was unable to bowl after his first ball at the crease saw him take a wild Lee beamer on the glove.

He was taken to hospital, put in a cast and returned to watch the rest of the match.

Yuvraj was the star of the show in the RoW innings, making 132 in 134 balls from number five.

The Indian batsman produced the significant knock that eluded Gilchrist, Virender Sehwag and Kevin Pietersen but had steady support from Paul Collingwood, who hit 40, and Peter Siddle.

Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal took 4-45 in a fine display of spin bowling that included him deceiving Pietersen to have him stumped by Chris Read.

Finch and Tendulkar put on 107 for MCC's first wicket before the 'Little Master' was bowled by Muttiah Muralitharan, Test cricket's highest run-scorer dismissed by Test cricket's highest wicket-taker.

Collingwood later removed Lara, for 23, and Dravid with successive balls, but Finch did not relent as he wowed the fans with his clean-hitting.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul chipped in with an unbeaten 37, but the winning six rightly fell to the burly opener.

After the game, Warne told Sky Sports 2: "I haven't seen Binger (Lee) for a while so it was nice of him to say hello, break my hand and put me out for six weeks!

"We were good mates but I'm not so sure after this. He didn't mean it, it's just one of those things.

"I would have liked to be a bit more part of it rather than sitting getting an X-Ray and plaster on my hand, but it was a great occasion."

By Callum Dent

Chris Jordan sees the Investec Test Series against India as the perfect opportunity for England to bounce back from their agonising defeat to Sri Lanka.

Alastair Cook’s side were two balls away from batting out the final day at Headingley to claim a share of the spoils, but James Anderson’s dismissal handed the tourists their maiden five-day series victory on these shores.

That loss will act as inspiration for England to respond strongly in the five matches versus India, starting at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, according to Jordan.

Asked if these contests provide a chance to turn things around, the all-rounder told ecb.co.uk: “Yes, 100 per cent. Any opportunity you get to put on an England shirt is an opportunity to impress and showcase your talent, both as a team and individually.

“We will be doing everything possible to put it right.”

England have been preparing for the Nottingham clash with a two-day training camp at Loughborough and, despite that heart-breaking loss in their last outing, Jordan insists the spirit in the squad is very upbeat.

He said: “The mood is brilliant. We had two days at Loughborough which was very productive, both for team spirit and skills. 

.@ECB_cricket all-rounder Chris Jordan coaching at The Ageas Bowl ahead of the Test Match here in July! #ENGvINDpic.twitter.com/FHtxNkJvQV

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) July 3, 2014

“The mood in the camp is excellent which is credit to (Peter) Mooresy and Cooky at the minute for creating that environment. It allows players to go out there and express themselves.

“As long as we keep sticking to our processes and sticking to the basics as a team, I think we will be okay.”

Jordan, who made his England debut in a one-day international with Australia at the Ageas Bowl in September, was given a Test bow at Lord’s last month.

But with just two matches against Sri Lanka, he is now excited at the prospect of facing India for a longer duration.

Speaking at the Ageas Bowl, Jordan said: “It’s very exciting. I was very grateful that I was named in the squad and hopefully if I get the nod, I can put in some good performances for England in this series.”

Only three of Duncan Fletcher’s 18-man travelling party have played Test cricket on English soil.

And Jordan believes that makes for an interesting spectacle, adding: “They have some very talented batsmen so it will make for an interesting series.

“We are an emerging side and so are they. Both teams will be looking to impress at every opportunity they get. It will be good viewing.” 

To purchase tickets for the third Investec Test between England and India at the Ageas Bowl, click here. 

New Zealand won a rain-affected first Twenty20 international against West Indies by 12 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method at Windsor Park.

Light rain was falling for much of the contest and 90 minutes were lost as the game was reduced to 18 overs a side, with the Black Caps ultimately completing just 15.

The West Indies made 132 for eight as Andre Fletcher registered a half-century, yet Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Corey Anderson took two wickets apiece to limit the home side.

Captain Brendon McCullum top-scored for New Zealand with 40 and despite Darren Sammy claiming 3-22, the Windies could not edge themselves ahead.

Jimmy Neesham hit a six and a four off consecutive deliveries in the second over of the reply but was bowled via an inside-edge by Krishmar Santokie.

That brought McCullum to the crease and he went about upping the rate in typical fashion, smashing Santokie for a six and two fours in three balls.

Kane Williamson had not seen a great deal of the strike and scored just 19 off 18 balls when a Sammy delivery looped up off the face off the bat and the tall skipper had to reach for a caught and bowled.

Taylor hammered 18 off the 11th over as New Zealand moved to within touching distance – although McCullum was gone for 40 when he did not quite get hold of a Sammy ball and Dwayen Smith took the catch.

Anderson was next to fall for 15, miscuing a Sammy delivery high into the air for Sunil Narine, but the rain got stronger and New Zealand claimed the win on 117 for four with Taylor 28 not out.

Cheteshwar Pujara will be driven on this summer by the pain of India’s Test-series defeat to England on home soil 18 months ago.

England ended their 27-year wait for a five-day success in India when coming from 1-0 down to secure a momentous triumph in Alastair Cook’s maiden campaign as full-time captain.

Pujara played a starring role for India in the series - he was second only to Cook on the runscorers’ list with 438 at 87.60 - but the bitter taste of defeat remains.

With India having also suffered a 4-0 whitewash the last time they were on these shores - a series Pujara was not involved in - he has warned the tourists are motivated to inflict a second loss of the summer on England.

“I’m eagerly looking forward to playing England again because we lost the Test series in India,” Pujara said.

“There’s a pain inside all of us, especially me. We will use that pain as a motivation because we lost 4-0 to England on the last tour as well.

“I wasn’t part of the team then, but those are the performances we don’t like.

“Obviously we want to do a lot better this time, so there is a lot of motivation. Also England is one of the best places to play Test matches, so we’ll really look to show our true abilities.”

Pujara introduced himself to the wider English public with an unbeaten double century in the opening Test of that rubber in 2012 at Ahmedabad.

The stylish right-hander followed that up with a century in the second Test before Graeme Swann eventually dismissed him for the first time in the series after almost 17 hours at the crease.

While the contest unravelled for Pujara and his team-mates thereafter it proved the springboard for the 26-year-old to establish himself as the long-term replacement to Rahul Dravid at three.

“I was in good form in that particular series but maybe in the last two Tests I didn’t perform the way I started off,” said Pujara, who has an average of 58.92 and six centuries from 19 Tests.

“I took a lot of positives because I had started off with a double century at Ahmedabad and a century at Mumbai. Maybe the century at Mumbai meant more to me, as they were the kind of conditions that were very difficult to start off with.

“The ball was doing a bit initially when I went in and it started turning when Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann came on to bowl.

“So it was a difficult wicket to bat on, and if I could succeed on that wicket, then I think I can really take a lot from that, because I think it was the kind of wicket we’ll face in England.”

Pujara is no stranger to English conditions despite having not played a full international here.

He captained an India A tour of England in 2010, during which he hit a double-century against West Indies A at WhitgiftSchool.

“I have happy memories of England,” he said. “I remember my double century at Croydon very well.

“Playing in England will be challenging, we all know that. It won’t be the kind of wickets we get in India. But I’ve been to the UK, I've played in quite a few matches there, so I feel I can handle the conditions.

“Once you get in they are good wickets to score runs on. I’m expecting to do well.”

A rejuvenated Jack Brooks returns to Yorkshire’s squad for their LV= County Championship encounter with defending champions Durham at Headingley from tomorrow.

The former Northamptonshire seamer was given a week off from NatWest T20 Blast action in order to recuperate for the White Rose’s final six four-day matches of 2014.

Brooks is the joint-top wicket-taker in Division One, sitting alongside Lancashire all-rounder Tom Smith with 42 scalps in 10 matches.

Tim Bresnan, rested for the Tykes’ last championship match against Warwickshire, is restored to a 12-man group that also includes Adil Rashid.

The leg-spinner is back after missing the Edgbaston clash due to paternity leave, meaning youngster Karl Karver misses out.

However, Yorkshire are still without England trio Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Liam Plunkett.

The White Rose, eight points off leaders Nottinghamshire with this their game in hand, will be hoping to take advantage of Mick Newell’s side’s defeat to Warwickshire last week.

Opener Alex Lees told the club's official website: “We’re looking to put on a good performance this week and keep playing the type of positive cricket we have been doing.

"We’ve played some good cricket in the championship this season and have been playing a good brand of cricket and we want that to continue right until the end of the season.”

Durham seamers Graham Onions and Mark Wood make their timely comebacks from injury while young spinner Max Morley could be handed his championship debut. 

But they are missing England all-rounder Ben Stokes and the injured Jamie Harrison.

They North East county head to Leeds in fine form, winning their last two matches to climb to sixth in the table.

Middlesex have added Paul Stirling and Ryan Harris to their squad for the clash with Somerset at Uxbridge.

Chris Rogers’ team, again without England batsman Sam Robson, were held to a draw by bottom-placed Northamptonshire at Lord’s last week.

Somerset also failed to win after Lancashire batted out the final day at Taunton.

Seamer Tim Groenewald could make his four-day bow following his arrival on loan from Derbyshire.

Hampshire will have aspirations of reclaiming their spot at the top of Division Twowhen they welcome Gloucestershire to the Ageas Bowl.

Worcestershire’s victory over Glamorgan saw them leapfrog Hampshire, who held on to secure a draw against Surrey at the Kia Oval.

Gloucestershire have injury problems of their own. The match comes too soon for skipper Michael Klinger, who is currently recovering from a broken toe.

Wicketkeeper Gareth Roderick will make his return from a broken finger for the club’s second XI this week, playing as a specialist batsman.

Seamer Matt Taylor is sidelined for a fortnight in order to rest his shin splints, while James Fuller’s ankle complaint sees him miss out.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul bolsters second-bottom Derbyshire ahead of their clash with Essex at Chesterfield.

The veteran West Indian, who played in yesterday’s bicentenary match at Lord’s, is back in the frame following his return from international duty.

On playing at Chesterfield, Derbyshire skipper Wayne Madsen told the club’s official website: “The crowds are always great and the atmosphere is brilliant for four-day fixtures.

“It was close last time we played Essex, but we probably let ourselves down in the first innings after we bowled so well. Hopefully we can play a lot better against them starting on Monday.

“We’ve got Shiv back as well which is great. It’s nice to have a player of his quality around and we look forward to welcoming him back into our side.” 

Seamer David Masters missed Essex Eagles’ victory over Surrey in the Blast on Friday night with a foot injury and could be a doubt once again.

Elsewhere in the second tier, bottom-placed Leicestershire host Kent at Grace Road.

Both sides had contrasting fortunes in their most recent four-day matches, with Kent beating Derbyshire by 10 wickets and Leicestershire losing to Surrey by the same margin. 

A recap of the day's NatWest T20 Blast action, with Andrew Flintoff taking 2-36 for Lancashire Lightning, who beat Worcestershire Rapids to move top of the North Group.

By Callum Dent

Follow NatWest T20 Blast on Twitter

5.25pm - Another enthralling day of NatWest T20 Blast action comes to an end. Here is what happened: 

North Group

Andrew Flintoff took 2-36 on his return to cricket as Lancashire Lightning defeated Worcestershire Rapids by 50 runs at New Road to move top of the North Group. 

Derbyshire Falcons remain rooted to the bottom after losing by five wickets to Leicestershire Foxes at Chesterfield. 

South Group

Hampshire wasted the opportunity to move level on points with South Group leaders Essex Eagles following a 39-run defeat to Somerset at the Ageas Bowl.

5.20pm - RESULT! Somerset beat Hampshire by 39 runs at the Ageas Bowl. A superb bowling display from Somerset breathes new life into their South Group campaign. Hampshire miss the chance to move level on points with leaders Essex Eagles.

5.18pm - RESULT! Lancashire Lightning beat Worcestershire Rapids by 50 runs at New Road. Flintoff takes 2-36 as the Lightning replace the Rapids at the top of the North Group. A fantastic batting display helped the Red Rose set up victory. 

5.16pm - Marcus Trescothick takes a low catch in the covers to dismiss Abbott. That should be the match now for Somerset, whose opponents need 40 off 21 balls. 

5.15pm - RESULT! Leicestershire Foxes beat Derbyshire Falcons by five wickets at Chesterfield. Scott Styris departs to the first ball of the last over, but the Foxes get over the line the next delivery. Smith finishes unbeaten on 65. 

5.10pm - Kabir bowls Ben Cox as the Lightning close in on the victory that will take them top of the North Group. 

Leicestershire need four from the final over to win at Chesterfield. 

Thomas removes Chris Wood. But Michael Bates and Kyle Abbott are still having a go at the Ageas Bowl. 

FAB FREDDIE! It's another scalp for Flintoff as @LancsCCC are set to secure victory. He's taken 2-28. WOR 162-6 (17) chasing 230 to win.

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 6, 2014

5.03pm - After giving Hampshire a sniff, Matt Coles holes out to the deep off Trego to depart for 25. 

Durston takes a wicket, that of Matthew Boyce, but he cannot stop Greg Smith reaching fifty as the Foxes close in on victory.

Kabir Ali bowls Colin Munro to leave Worcestershire behind the rate. They are 152 for five in the 16th over chasing 230. 

Whiteley gone! Bowled by Khan, 3. 142-4.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

4.50pm - Flintoff's first ball of his second spell is another maximum. However, the former England all-rounder responds by bowling Tom Kohler-Cadmore. 

Ned Eckersley falls to North at Chesterfield. Can the Falcons defend that target of 144?

Hampshire require 100 from the final 10 overs with four wickets in tact at the Ageas Bowl. 

4.43pm - Croft removes Oliver for 44 from 29 balls. A big wicket for the Lightning. The Rapids are 116 for two after 12.

Craig Kieswetter stumps Sean Ervine off Max Waller to reduce Hampshire to 41 for six. 

Leicestershire need 65 to win from nine overs at Chesterfield. 

4.37pm - Hampshire are in disarray. Carberry runs himself out now, with a direct hit from Thomas sending him back for 10. 

4.34pm - Disaster for Hampshire! A huge mix-up between Michael Carberry and Maxwell sees the latter run out. Somerset are all over the home side like a rash.  

UPDATE: Good over from @yozza18 ; Leicestershire 56-2 off 8 overs. 88 to win. Smith 22*, Eckersley 2* #DERvLEI

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 6, 2014

4.31pm - Will Smith slaps an Alfonso Thomas full toss straight to Alviro Petersen in the deep, leaving Hampshire 33 for three in the fifth. Here comes Glenn Maxwell. 

Daryl Mitchell is stumped by Jos Buttler off a Steven Croft wide for a 28-ball 40. Worcestershire are 90 for one from eight overs. The Rapids are making a good fist of it at New Road. 

Flintoff off, Parry on. Worcs 71-0 after seven overs chasing 230. #WORvLANCS

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

4.24pm - WOW! Richard Oliver takes his boyhood hero for six and four off his first two deliveries. Flintoff's first set of six for five years goes for 15. 

Leicestershire are not having it their own way in their chase at Chesterfield. Another fine catch, this time from Alex Hughes, sees Josh Cobb depart off Chesney Hughes. The Foxes are 44 for two after six overs. 

4.21pm - Andrew Flintoff is thrown the ball immediately after the powerplay. Lancashire need a breakthrough. 

4.20pm - Early wickets were on the menu for Somerset and that is what they have got. Jimmy Adams skies Dirk Nannes into the air and Craig Meschede takes the catch. Hampshire are making a mess of their pursuit of 156, falling to 11 for two.  

Worcs 50-0 up in the fifth over.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

4.15pm - A fine catch from Wayne Madsen hands Marcus North a wicket with his third ball. Ireland international Niall O'Brien heads back to the pavilion for 10 of Leicestershire's 19 for one.  

4.11pm - Somerset make a fine start with the ball. Hampshire dangerman James Vince moves too far across his stumps and is pinned lbw by Peter Trego first delivery. A huge blow for the hosts. 

3 - Anthony Ireland's 5-22 are the third best domestic T20 figures for @leicsccc , after A. McDonald's 5-13 and J. Allenby's 5-21. Foxy.

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) July 6, 2014

3.57pm - Somerset struggle to find the boundary in the latter stages, having to settle for 155 for four. Michael Carberry claims a smart catch in the deep to dismiss James Hildreth from Abbott's final ball. It's a good job Durston and Kieswetter turned up for Derbyshire and Somerset today. 

3.54pm - Ireland has unbelievable figures of 5-22. After dismissing Palladino and Alex Hughes, he then bowls Greg Cork for a golden duck with the penultimate ball of the innings. Mark Turner is run out and the Falcons are dismissed for 143 in their 20 overs. They lost their last six wickets for just eight runs. Remarkable. 

Wicket. Alex Hughes goes the next ball caught off Ireland for 1. Derbyshire 141-8 #DERvLEI

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 6, 2014

3.50pm - Ireland has a third at Chesterfield to limit Derbyshire. Tony Palladino goes for a single. 

3.49pm - Lancashire post a mammoth 229 for four courtesy of a late unbeaten 29 off 11 deliveries from Steven Croft.  The highest score of the season. Flintoff not required. How long will it be before we see him with the ball in hand? Worcestershire need 230 to keep the second-placed Lightning at bay and preserve their position at the top of the North Group. 

Durston departs for 89. A stunning knock ends when he is caught on the boundary off Ben Raine. 

Play resumes at the Ageas Bowl, with Somerset 141 for three with two overs remaining. 

Wicket. Elstone caught on the boundary for 9; 135-5 #DERvLEI

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 6, 2014

3.40pm - Prince is run out for 68 at New Road. Can the Rapids finish with a flourish to take some momentum into their reply?

Lancs have 12 balls left. It's 197-3.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

3.36pm - Can Durston reach three figures? He needs another 22 from the final 21 deliveries at Chesterfield. 

Rain takes the players off at the Ageas Bowl. A passing shower hopefully.   

3.34pm - Buttler is cutting loose at New Road. The England wicketkeeper-batsman reaches fifty from just 26 balls but then becomes Munro's second victim. Andrew Flintoff may not be needed with the bat.

Jigar Naik takes a return catch to oust Marcus North for 20, leaving the Falcons 112 for four with 26 balls remaining. 

3.25pm - Coles snares another key wicket at the Ageas Bowl. The former Kent seamer fools Kieswetter with a slower ball that the batsman inside-edges on to his own stumps, departing for a fine 60 off 44 balls. Somerset are 115 for three in the 15th over. 

Lancashire are 155 for two heading into the last five overs. Two hundred is on!

3.18pm - The third half-century in six minutes comes from Prince at New Road. Arriving from just 32 deliveries, it is the quickest of the day so far. Lancashire are flying along at 10 runs an over. 

Alviro Petersen gets in on the act at the Ageas Bowl, hitting his first maximum. The hosts need wickets. 

3.15pm - Kieswetter follows Durston to the milestone, going there in 35 balls. Hampshire need him out pretty sharpish. 

3.12pm - Durston moves to a half-century off just 34 deliveries. He is holding the Falcons innings together.  

Prince's second six goes over mid-wicket off Munro. 115-2 in the 12th. He's on 42.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

3.10pm - Derbyshire's progress slows at Chesterfield, the hosts reaching the 10-over mark on 69 for two. 

Somerset, meanwhile, are 77 for two with Kieswetter unbeaten on 40. Another fine knock from the in-form wicketkeeper-batsman. 

3.06pm - Karl Brown's cameo of 29 off 16 balls ends when he finds Chris Russell at short third-man off Worcestershire seamer Colin Munro. The Lightning are 98 for two at the halfway stage, with Jos Buttler and Ashwell Prince at the crease. 

3pm - Matt Coles' first ball of his second over accounts for Trego, who pulls a short delivery into the hands of Will Smith on the midwicket boundary. Somerset are 60 for two after 7.1 overs.

Scott Styris traps Wayne Madsen lbw at Chesterfield to reduce the Falcons to 56 for three in the seventh. 

2.58pm - Trego and Kieswetter see Somerset to 51 at the end of the first six overs, while Derbyshire are 55 for two. Wes Durston is motoring along on 41.  

RUN FEST! Crikey, there are fireworks at New Road. Prince and Brown swinging for the fences for @LancsCCC . Big target looming. LAN 82-1

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 6, 2014

2.52pm - Peter Trego and Kieswetter look to be struggling with their timing in the early exchanges at the Ageas Bowl. However, the latter opens up and blasts the first maximum of the innings, over cow corner, in an Abbott over that costs 18. After a slow start, Somerset are ticking along nicely now. 

Lancashire take 61 from the powerplay for just the loss of Smith. 

FOUR! Shreck bowls a beamer at Durston who sends it for four and then hits a second four the next ball! Derbyshire 35-2 (4.3) #DERvLEI

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 6, 2014

2.46pm - Ireland strikes again at Chesterfield, bowling Gareth Cross to leave Derbyshire 19 for two in the fourth over. The seamer has stunning figures of 2-0 off 1.1 overs. 

Smith takes Saeed Ajmal for a six and two fours in five balls before the spinner responds by having the left-hander stumped by Ben Cox. Smith goes for 30 of Lancashire's 36 for one. 

2.42pm - Craig Kieswetter punishes Kyle Abbott for over-stepping, driving the seamer through the covers for four on the free-hit.  

View from the box..... pic.twitter.com/mzkscRs432

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 6, 2014

Here comes Saeed Ajmal. 22-0 after three overs. #WORvLANCS

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) July 6, 2014

2.36pm - Chris Wood claims the scalp of Marcus Trescothick, caught behind for two. Big blow for Somerset. Chesney Hughes departs to Anthony Ireland's fourth ball at Chesterfield.  

166.7 - @flintoff11 's domestic Twenty20 batting strike rate of 166.7 is the highest of anyone to face 20+ balls for @LancsCCC . Return.

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) July 6, 2014

2.33pm - Tom Smith frees his arms to collect nine of Lancashire's 10 from the opening over. 

Shantry to open the bowling. Are you ready for the Rapids?

— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) July 6, 2014

2.25pm - While we wait for the action to start, why not read our preview of the trio of matches. 

2.19pm - Will Flintoff get a bat at New Road? The 36-year-old is scheduled to come in at number eight.  

Is there a better scene than @derbyshireccc cricket & crowds in Queens Park? Tickets on gate. still time 2 get here! pic.twitter.com/HDbR7I9vbf

— Simon Storey (@StoreySimon) July 6, 2014

2.06pm - We have news of the toss from the three matches. Worcestershire and Leicestershire choose to bowl while Somerset opt to bat. 

Some huge breaking news from New Road. Former England skipper Andrew Flintoff makes his return to cricket as the all-rounder is named in Lancashire's team. 

2pm - Good afternoon and welcome to our NatWest T20 Blast blog. Here are today's fixtures: 

North Group

Worcestershire Rapids v Lancashire Lightning, New Road

Derbyshire Falcons v Leicestershire Foxes, Chesterfield

South Group

Hampshire v Somerset, Ageas Bowl 

T-minus 1 hour until play begins at Queen's Park, Chesterfield. Players going through their preparations #DERvLEI pic.twitter.com/JizTyq4Cmx

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 6, 2014  

COMEBACK? Is today THE day we see this young man make his return? We'll bring you team news at 2pm... pic.twitter.com/Nhb4EhRKtE

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) July 6, 2014

Andrew Flintoff made his long-awaited return to county cricket in front of a packed crowd at New Road but was hardly needed as Lancashire Lightning took charge of the NatWest T20 BlastNorth Group in a 50-run defeat of Worcestershire Rapids.

Half-centuries by Ashwell Prince and Jos Buttler swept them to their highest score in the competition, beating the 220 for five which was set on Flintoff's last first-team appearance when he made 93 from 41 balls at Derby in 2009.

On his comeback, after a break of five years and 11 days, he was not required at all as a batsman, doing no more than putting his pads on in the 19th over and taking them off with a ball to go as Worcestershire's bowlers took their biggest-ever mauling in the competition.

He was finally in the action, conceding 15 runs in the sixth over, but came back with a wicket in each of two later spells for an overall return of 4-0-36-2, almost mirroring his figures of 2-32 against Derbyshire Falcons before retirement.

Not surprisingly, perhaps, his pace was down on his glory years and it would have been a jolt to be cut for four and pulled for six from his first two balls by former Shropshire captain Richard Oliver.

The Rapids were putting up a fight at that stage with Oliver and skipper Daryl Mitchell, who contributed 44 and 46 respectively, smashing 90 in the first nine overs but they were gone, both falling to Steven Croft's off-spin, before Flintoff was called on again for the 13th over.

Again he was given a rough reception, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore pulling his first ball for six, but the former Malvern College batsman was bowled attempting to drive the fourth.

When Flintoff came back for the 17th over, he had Alexei Kervezee comfortably caught at long-on and the Rapids were ultimately pegged back to 179 for seven.

Leaders Lancashire are now close to guaranteeing a place in the quarter-finals and second-placed Worcestershire are still strong contenders to reach the knockout stage despite their first defeat in any competition since they were beaten at Old Trafford in May.

The Rapids rebounded from that setback in a run of six consecutive wins but momentum may have been lost when their last two games were washed out.

Their bowlers strayed off line as Tom Smith came out firing, with three fours in the first nine deliveries, and Lancashire scored at 10 runs an over through the powerplay.

Even Saeed Ajmal, with a previous economy rate of six runs per over, was smashed for a straight six by Smith in a first over costing 14 runs but the Pakistan spinner got his reward when the left-hander was easily stumped after a quickfire 30 from 20 balls.

The rate was maintained as Prince picked up the pace in a stand of 60 in six overs before his new partner, Karl Brown, looped a catch to short third-man, but this only brought in Buttler to take the bowling apart in a 26-ball half-century.

His first six went out of the ground and two more clattered into the New Road Stand in a partnership of 93 in seven overs which ended when he was caught at midwicket by Brett D'Oliveira, playing his first game since the death of his father Damian last weekend.

D'Oliveira also ran out Prince with a return from cover after the South African had made 68 from 43 balls but Croft, in his 96th consecutive game in the competition, secured the record total with 29 not out, including 20 of the 24 runs from the last over of the innings.

Lancashire top-scorer Prince was happy to see Flintoff back and doing what he does best - taking wickets and entertaining the crowd.

He said: "It's good to have the big man back.

"Obviously he's always a crowd favourite and I think he will be happy with his performance today, getting a few wickets as well. He must have been a bit nervous starting but he dragged it back nicely towards the end.

"He is an experienced player and I think he will only get better as the competition goes on. He's a character, the game needs characters, and to have him in the dressing room ... happy days."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said of Flintoff: "Freddie is not shy of a challenge and coming back in itself is a bit of a challenge. He will be pleased to have got the first game over."

On the group positions, his side having lost both meetings with the Red Rose, Rhodes added: "Lancashire have proved to be a very good side. Now it's up to us to make sure we get qualified (for the quarter-finals)."

Andre Fletcher struck his second half-century in successive days as West Indies claimed a 39-run Twenty20 international victory over New Zealand to draw the series at 1-1.

The home side dominated with bat and ball at Dominica as they posted 165 for six before Sheldon Cottrell claimed 3-28 to force a Black Caps collapse.

New Zealand, who were bowled out for 126, secured a 12-run victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method in the opening game.

The second, though, will forever be remembered by a stunning piece of fielding from Trent Boult.

See what everyone's talking about - Trent Boult's amazing flying catch from today's T20 v @westindies: https://t.co/APaVh1LRks#wivnz ^RI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) July 7, 2014

With Kieron Pollard’s swipe seemingly destined to clear the midwicket boundary, Boult claimed a stunning one-handed catch, threw it up as he stepped over the rope, and then dived full-length back onto the field to complete an amazing take.

Boult apart, it was Fletcher who stole the limelight in the Windies’ innings as he crunched three fours and as many sixes.

The opener was offered able support by opening partner Lendl Simmons, who hit 36 at just better than a run a ball.

Boult was the pick of the Black Caps’ bowlers, ending with figures of 2-22 from four fine overs.

New Zealand appeared on the right track as Kane Williamson struck 37 from the top of the order.

Yet they were unable to build upon his effort, with Cottrell and Sunil Narine taking control through the middle overs.

Their efforts proved decisive, too, as Darren Sammy’s men triumphed.

Hashim Amla led the way as South Africa drew first blood in the three-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka with a 75-run victory in Colombo.

Amla struck a superb 109 and skipper AB de Villiers 75 from just 70 balls to help the tourists – who won the toss – post a formidable 304 for five.

Kumar Sangakkara carried Sri Lankan hopes in a testing run-chase but, despite his 88, they were dismissed for 229.

As such, it was Amla’s contribution that proved decisive, the stylish opener laying a perfect platform with a 130-delivery 109 featuring eight fours and a six.

He was well supported, too, as de Villiers – who was dropped by opposite number Angelo Mathews on 17 – played a typically belligerent hand.

VIDEO: @ABdeVilliers17 post match interview after @CastleLagerSA Proteas ODI win over @OfficialSLC today http://t.co/gaOuNo3qXK via @YouTube

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 6, 2014

He hit five fours and one big six, crunching Mathews high over long-off, to set up David Miller’s late fireworks.

The big-hitting number six bludgeoned an unbeaten 36 off just 21 balls, twice clearing the rope over extra-cover.

Kusal Perera and Tillakaratne Dilshan got Sri Lanka’s reply off to the perfect start in a half-century opening stand.

Yet their departures prompted a collapse as Imran Tahir struck twice in the middle overs to undermine the home side.

Only Sangakkara prospered, continuing his stunning form in 2014 with an 89-ball innings highlighted by nine fours.

But the number three would pay for receiving minimal support, Tahir finishing with 3-50 as South Africa comfortably triumphed.