"It's An Exciting Time" | Thomas Looks Ahead To Return of T20 Blast

Blast is back. And with a new captain, exciting overseas additions, and the fervent Foxes faithful driving them on, there’s justification behind the belief that Leicestershire could add T20 title number four to their trophy cabinet this summer.

Ahead of that quest for glory, we caught up with Head Coach Alfonso Thomas to preview all things T20. The Foxes boss starts by outlining how the squad will be tested to its limits with England call-ups and injuries altering his plans.

“It's obviously a challenge,” says Thomas. “One emphasised more now we've lost Rehan and Hully to England with the Lions and IT20 stuff. Ben Green has gone back to Somerset, Dutchy is off to America for the MLC, and Benny Mike is recovering from a hamstring injury.

“When you take those guys out of your T20 squad, it's always going to be difficult. But if you look at the positives, it's an opportunity for somebody else to come in and make a contribution.”

Two such names who may profit are Liam Trevaskis and Sam Wood, who have both shone for the Second XI’s T20 side in recent weeks. Left-arm spinner Trevaskis, who missed the entirety of the Blast through injury last summer, took 4/13 and 3/14 in wins over SACA and Staffordshire, while Wood registered returns of 4/11 and 5/14 in victories against Staffordshire and Yorkshire.

“We had a conversation when we were out in Cyprus during our pre-season, saying the whole squad is going to be called upon to come into the team and make a contribution, and that's exactly what's happening. 

“Guys like Trev and Woodsy have been patient but they have the quality to help us win games. There's an opportunity to come into an environment that is obviously on a high from our Championship form and stake their claim. It's a good challenge to have.”

With bowling resources somewhat depleted, Thomas can take comfort in the knowledge his attack will boast Netherlands international Logan van Beek “ a man with almost 200 T20 wickets - for the entirety of the Blast. The 34-year-old’s expertise will be invaluable according to the South African.

“Logan is a guy that's got a wealth of experience playing around the world, but crucially in England and in this competition. That's exactly why we've got him in, and because he's a guy that can play in all formats. 

“He’s the kind of senior bowler that can help the younger bowlers too, which is what's going to be required in the opening few games. There are a few younger players coming in, and I think he'll be perfect in helping Louis Kimber guide them in the right direction.”

Leicestershire are also set to house one of the most ferocious top orders in the competition, with explosive openers Rishi Patel and Sol Budinger likely to be backed up by Louis Kimber and Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Such firepower is sure to leave Foxes fans salivating, while Thomas is equally as excited to watch the quartet in action.

“It's an exciting time,” he smiles. “To have the class of Shan coming in is going to be amazing for us as a group, the guy just oozes quality. I'm hoping he can entertain the crowd on Friday night. If that top four is the way we decide to go, then that could be quite exhilarating for everyone.”

One of that top four, Louis Kimber, has been busy re-writing more history books this month. After his record-smashing 243 at Hove last summer, he set the second-highest individual score in Second Eleven T20 cricket with 153 from just 75 balls against Lancashire last week. It’s his character, as much as his ability to lead by example, which convinced Thomas he was the right man to be appointed T20 captain for the upcoming campaign.

“Obviously he hits a long ball, and his game is suited perfectly to T20 cricket. But I just thought that he has very similar personal traits to Peter Handscomb, which gives us great continuity. He's very cool and calm. 

“With Louis, you can't really tell if he’s having a bad day or a good day, and it's the same with Pete. They are fairly consistent in their behaviours, and I think those kind of personalities, in my experience, will certainly help you when you're under the pump as a captain out in the middle.”

Thomas possesses vast T20 experience, having been a revered, and much feared, fast bowler with 225 appearances in the shortest form. Meticulous in his planning of every phase of an innings, the 48-year-old says he and Assistant Coach James Taylor can lean on their playing days to weave their wisdom into planning Leicestershire’s route to victory this summer.

“Some of the guys joke that the way we played T20 cricket is very different to how they play the game now, but I think that the basic fundamentals still apply. Guys tend to see the colour change in the ball and think it's all gung-ho, but you've always got more time than you think.

“For me, T20 cricket is about finding consistency in the team, and having guys know their roles. Then it's easier to plan around that in terms of how you're going to go and execute it. It’s important one of the top four bat for the majority of the overs, as that anchor, because we’ve got some exciting talent down the order. And with the ball it's all about executing up front, then being calm at the back end.”

The Foxes will have their chance to put plans into practice when they blast off against East Midlands rivals Derbyshire Falcons at Uptonsteel County Ground on Friday evening. Starting strongly, Thomas says, will snowball the momentum his side has built in four-day cricket.

“A good start always helps. But at the same time, you've just got to keep your foot in the door come the back end. You want to build up momentum at the right time. It’s completely different to four-day cricket, but if you give me four wins in the first four games, I'm obviously not going to say ‘no’.

“We're looking forward to a good attendance on Friday night to help the boys. I’ve checked the weather forecast; it looks pretty good. There's a new Guinness bar as well, so there's another reason to turn up. I will certainly be visiting if we’re on the right side of the result. But I'm sure the fans will be quite excited to come and support the boys, and we’re looking forward to putting on a show for them.”

To watch Leicestershire's T20 opener against Derbyshire on Friday evening, secure your seats in advance from just £7 HERE.