Lancashire all-rounder Tom Smith hopes his side have ‘the X Factor’ in their bid to reach the T20 finals day for the first time in three years.
The Lightning will open their innings in the revamped Natwest T20 Blast at Trent Bridge against Nottinghamshire Outlaws tonight, before taking on Worcestershire Royals at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Lancashire have brought back Pakistan seamer Junaid Khan and also have England one-day specialist Jos Buttler in their ranks for the season.
And Smith believes the combination of experience and firepower in the squad will make the side a dangerous outfit.
“You look at our squad now and we’ve got plenty of experience in T20 cricket,” Smith told the club website.
“(Junaid) just brings that X Factor at the end of an innings and at the start of it – he’s a great signing for us.
“I’m definitely looking forward to watching Jos bat.
“You watch him bat in the nets and you see some of the shots he plays – as a bowler you just stand there and scratch your head.”
Smith is one of the most experienced members of the Lancashire squad with 79 T20 games under his belt.
The right-arm seamer is expected to reprise his role as opening batter, where he enjoyed real success last year.
The 28-year-old star believes the opening position is where everyone wants to bat and says he tries to keep it simple.
“I just walk out there and try to whack it,” Smith said.
“It’s good fun being at the top of the order with the new ball and the first six overs of powerplay – I’ve got to make sure I do well.
“It’s a game of fine lines T20 cricket. If you get two wins your season is off and running.”
England star Jos Buttler has joined Lancashire from Somerset this season and has made a steady start to his Red Rose career in the County Championship – but T20 is where he excels.
Buttler says the shortest form of the game is all about entertainment and is determined to show the Lancashire fans what he can do.
“Every player wants to try and entertain the crowd – it’s a great platform to try and do that,” the keeper said.
“Also, being at a new club I want to show my teammates and the Lancashire fans what I can do as well.
“What better environment than a Friday night to entertain the crowd who have come in?”
Buttler will be just one of many England internationals on show for Lancashire this weekend, with James Anderson, Stephen Parry and Kabir Ali also expected to feature.
The legendary name of Andrew Flintoff could soon be added to that list with the club confirming this week that they are in talks with the former England all-rounder to make his return to the club for the T20 blast.
For those Lancashire fans who can’t make it to Trent Bridge, the game will be screened live from The Lawns in Spinningfields.
The event, which starts at 5.30pm will also feature comedian Justin Moorhouse, band members from The Courteeners and stars from Coronation Street.
Image courtesy of kukri sports, via Youtube, with thanks
