By Callum Dent
Lancashire Lightning all-rounder Jordan Clark is adamant Hampshire’s phenomenal record in the sprint format will count for nothing when they go head-to-head at NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day tomorrow.
Skipper James Vince led Hampshire, winners in 2010 and 2012, to a fifth consecutive Finals Day appearance courtesy of a stunning unbeaten 93 in the last-eight victory over Notts Outlaws at Trent Bridge.
But Lancashire have momentum of their own after winning 10 of their 14 North Group fixtures before Clark snared four scalps in eight balls to see off Glamorgan at Emirates Old Trafford in the quarter-finals.
And that is why Clark believes the Lightning, three times semi-finalists, can upset the odds at Edgbaston tomorrow.
“You cannot take into account what was happened in the past. It’s more about what is here and now really,” Clark told ecb.co.uk.
“The South Group is really strong and Hampshire are really strong as a team. But our team has got a lot of momentum this year after playing a lot of good cricket.
“We have got the team to beat them. I’m backing Lancashire all the way. We have been in good form all season so I don’t see why we cannot win it this year.”
Clark added: “You obviously look into the opposition a little bit. But we tend to focus on us as a unit and what we do best really. We have a chat between us and take out what we have done positively in the T20s this season and try to continue it.”
Former England skipper Andrew Flintoff has been named in Lancashire’s 16-man squad after coming out of retirement to feature in the competition.
Clark believes Flintoff’s return has had a major impact on him and the other Red Rose youngsters.
He said: “Having someone so talented and so experienced in the dressing room was a bit surreal at first. When you get to know him, he’s a real good guy.
“He is so easy to approach and, throughout the season, has been a big help to me and spent a lot of time with me.
“I really appreciate what he does for me and all the youngsters.
Lanky doing some bicep curls in preparation for the mascot race at T20 Finals Day this Saturday! @NatWestT20Blasthttps://t.co/9JNouU3Jvg
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) August 21, 2014
“He goes about his business. We sort of bat and bowl together so it fits when we practice. It’s easy for him to pass on his experience with him being a similar type. It’s easy for me to pass on board."
Pakistan international Junaid Khan was an influential member of Lancashire’s bowling attack in the group stage, taking 19 wickets, but is unavailable for Finals Day due to his international commitments.
While Clark admits the loss of the left-arm paceman is a blow, he expects the likes of Kabir Ali – who has also claimed 19 victims – to step up and fill the void.
“Khany is one of the best bowlers in the world so he is always going to be missed,” Clark added.
“But we have got people like Kabir Ali, who is very good at hitting his yorkers and has played a big part over the last few years for Lancashire in one-day cricket.
“We have got a bit of cover to fill Khany’s spot so it shouldn’t be a worry.”
NatWest T20 Blast facts
*Lancashire have won their last four completed Twenty20 games away from home, all of which have come batting first.
*Tom Smith’s powerplay strike-rate against seamers is 158 this season, the third-highest behind Jesse Ryder (182) and Wes Durston (169) - minimum 100 balls faced.
*Since the start of last season the toss-winning team at Edgbaston has elected to field in all 12 Twenty20 fixtures where a toss took place, going on to win eight times.