Wow! Two sixes from Moeen Ali off his second and third balls, both over long-on against Matt Carter and the first significantly bigger than the second. Worcester 32-1 after three overs.
Alex Hales into the action in the second over with an excellent catch over his head, running back from cover to help Matt Carter get rid of New Zealander Hamish Rutherford. Worcestershire 10-1.
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The ground is just under half full at the moment, but the fancy dress in the Hollies stand is in full swing nevertheless. I spy a large group of Chelsea Pensioners and a fair few bananas.
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Team news: Worcs v Notts
Nottinghamshire captain Dan Christian wins the toss and will bowl first.
Worcestershire: Wessels, Rutherford, Moeen (c), Cox (wk), D’Oliveira, Whiteley, Parnell, Mitchell, Barnard, Morris, Brown.
Nottinghamshire: Hales, Nash, Clarke, Duckett, Patel, Moores (wk), Christian (c), Mullaney, Wood, Carter, Gurney.
Preamble
Good morning from Edgbaston, where it is a glorious start to cricket’s longest day. And, for the avoidance of doubt, I don’t say that with any negativity. Vitality Blast Finals Day is one of the very best days. Three games, a Mascot race and copious amounts of Sweet Caroline. What more could you want?
There are many who believe it is the best day of the year. Given my Northern roots, I will argue the toss against anyone and say that it doesn’t top the Blast Roses games. But it’s not far behind, I grant you.
We have four teams on show, three from the North and one from the South and two who would be first time winners of the competition – Essex and Derbyshire.
Those two counties meet in the second semi-final at 2.30pm following on from a clash between the two most recent champions Worcestershire (2018) v Nottinghamshire (2017). That one gets us going at 11am.
Worcester and Notts are the bookies favourites, but I have heard a few people over the last week say, ‘I have a sneaking suspicion for Derbyshire’. This is their first appearance at Finals Day since the Blast started in 2003.
I, personally, am leaning towards Essex. They crept into quarter-finals by winning three out of their last four group games, with the other a tie, and then beat runaway North Group winners Lancashire in their quarter-final at Durham when the game was going the way of the Lightning.
You hear players and coaches talking about how momentum is so crucial in this format of the game. Well, the Eagles have it. It would be one heck of a six days for Anthony McGrath’s side given they are top of the County Championship by 12 points from Somerset with a round to go. They travel to Taunton on Monday.
I will be splitting blogging duties with Tim de Lisle today, who takes over halfway through the second semi-final. The final begins at 6.45pm. Enjoy the day.
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