Players in Focus: Durham

Ahead of the Vitality Blast clash with Durham at Emirates Riverside, we take a look at some key men to watch out for. 

Durham will prove a difficult outfit, with the likes of  Nathan Rimmington having played in the Big Bash, T10 and the Vitality Blast for a number of years, and his ability to outfox batsmen when bowling accounts for many of his wickets.

The 37-year-old has claimed 130 wickets at an average of 23.04 with a career-best of 5-27 in T20 cricket. His experience is vital when setting fields to tie down teams in the middle overs, when he looks to his spinners in youngsters Liam Trevaskis and Scott Steel.

Steel, the 21-year-old, has nailed down his opening spot in the team after hitting 369 runs in 11 games last year. He averaged 33.54 last competition making him a prized wicket for the Falcons attack. A career-high score of 70 could easily be beaten if the youngster is allowed time at the crease, showcasing his ability of range hitting and intricacy.

His fellow opener, Alex Lees, has been the star of the show for Durham so far, scoring 140 runs across three innings, including two half-centuries in the Vitality Blast already. Having shown his class in both four-day and T20 formats this campaign, the 27-year-old will be a key target for the Derbyshire attack to dislodge.

Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons return to Twenty20. Follow every game live on our match centre at derbyshireccc.com. Derbyshire Falcons: Underestimated No More.