Coverage of another exciting night of NatWest T20 Blast action as Yorkshire do battle with Lancashire in the North Group, while big guns Hampshire and Surrey face off in the South.
By Dominic Farrell
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6.41pm - The similarly impressive McCarter accounted for Northeast before Kent finished their 20 overs on 150 for six.
Somerset are looking at something a little more imposing and are 88 for one after 11. Kieswetter and Trego have 31 and 32 respectively.
PERSONAL BEST! Cap doffed to young Sam Northeast of @kentcricket. He records his highest T20 score before falling for 75. KEN 142-5 (18.4)
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014
Hants 9-1 in 2nd over..Vince c Wilson b Mahmood 8
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2014
6.34pm - I’m afraid we’re waiting on another pitch inspection, this time at 7pm, at Wantage Road. Derbyshire have won the toss and asked Birmingham Bears to post a total.
6.32pm - Somerset are 58 for one after eight overs and Essex will want to break the developing partnership between Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego sooner rather than later. That one could definitely get out of hand quickly for the visitors!
@SomersetCCC Large rainbow towards Yeovil pic.twitter.com/SGYCsBwgqu
— Ray Mitchell (@Mundo311) June 27, 2014
6.26pm - Graeme McCarter has been economical for Gloucestershire tonight and the medium pacer is in the wickets as Alex Blake falls for one off five deliveries. Northeast remains on 62 but Kent’s failure to provide him with much middle-order support could cost them.
6.19pm - That’s a big wicket for Gloucestershire as dangerman Darren Stevens falls to Benny Howell shortly before Northeast brings up his fifty.
STAT ATTACK: @hantscricket have scored most runs in #T20Blast this year. How many have your team mustered? pic.twitter.com/DN3ehoytgV
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014
6.13pm - The returning Graham Napier comes out on top in the showdown between two of the English limited-overs game’s heavyweights. He dismisses Trescothick and Somerset are 20 for one.
6.10pm - At the Kia Oval, Surrey have won the toss and will bow against Hampshire.
Daniel Bell-Drummond is out for 32 but Kent’s Sam Northeast is motoring towards a half-century with three sixes to his name.
6.03pm - Marcus Trescothick is straight out of the blocks with a couple of fours, while Kent are 65 for one as they approach the halfway stage of their innings.
Good news the rain has stopped, hopefully the outfield will dry out quick enough to get a game. Latest time we can start is 8.58pm
— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014
5.50pm - Essex have won the toss and will bowl when they get cracking down over at Taunton.
5.47pm - Breakthrough for Gloucestershire as left-armer David Payne sends Rob Key back for 14. Kent are 32 for one after five.
@Yorkshireccc@YorkshireTea It was cracking the flags in Lancashire when we set off. It all changed when we crossed the border!!
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) June 27, 2014
5.36pm - Kent are 14 without loss after two overs and we’re waiting for things to really spark at Bristol.
Stunning weather here with gates about to open at Hove... #sharklovepic.twitter.com/xxKg5JlB7u
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) June 27, 2014
5.28pm - We’re set for a 6pm start at Taunton. at which point the umpires will inspect again at Worcester. So, it’s all eyes on Gloucestershire versus Kent…
.@SomersetCCC back warming up, let's hope the rain stays away! pic.twitter.com/LGUSFPD3n8
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) June 27, 2014
5.25pm - Another man to speak to ecb.co.uk this week only to find himself inside a rain-lashed pavilion is Worcestershire’s Chris Russell. Read more here from the in-form seamer, who has played a starring role in the Rapids’ rise to the top of the North Group.
WEATHER UPDATE | So, the covers are off and the Groundstaff are out working on the ground. No news yet regarding an inspection #DERvBIR
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) June 27, 2014
5.15pm - As at New Road, rain is also going to delay proceedings in Leeds. We’re set to get under way on time in Bristol though, where Gloucestershire have won the toss and will field against the Spitfires.
Heavy rain at Worcester, delayed start looks inevitable #cricketpic.twitter.com/YuihK62dvd
— Robin Chipperfield (@sportchippers) June 27, 2014
5.05pm - Of course, the game on everyone’s lips tonight is at Headingley, where Yorkshire and Lancashire will write the latest chapter in their famous old rivalry. The White Rose were triumphant when the sides met at Emirates Old Trafford earlier this month, although the Lightning have displayed superb form in the shortest format and are joint top of the North Group with six wins from eight matches.
Have a look at what Vikings star Jonny Bairstow had to say ahead of the match here.
5pm - Hello and welcome to another Friday night offering of NatWest T20 Blast action. We have eight more games for your enjoyment, with the first two getting going in 30 minutes. Here's the order of play:
Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires, 5.30pm - Bristol
Somerset v Essex Eagles, 5.30pm - Taunton
Worcestershire Rapids v Nottinghamshire Outlaws, 5.30pm - New Road
Yorkshire Vikings v Lancashire Lightning, 5.30pm - Headingley
Northants Steelbacks v Durham Jets, 6.30pm - Wantage Road
Surrey v Hampshire, 6.30pm - the Kia Oval
Sussex Sharks v Middlesex Panthers, 7pm - the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground
Derbshire Falcons v Birmingham Bears, 7pm - the 3aaa County Ground