Raine eager to continue brilliant form

Leicestershire Foxes star Ben Raine has more reason than most to be relishing the start of Vitality Blast.

Raine was cruelly denied the opportunity to play in the competition in 2017 through injury, but is now fully fit and has enjoyed a terrific start to the new campaign.

The opening game at the Fischer County Ground on Friday night will also hold significance for the all-rounder as he is set to take on former side Durham Jets.

But first up for the Foxes is a trip to Wantage Road, a ground that Raine has performed superbly at twice already as part of convincing victories for the Foxes in the Royal London One-Day Cup and Specsavers County Championship.

Raine said: “All eyes are on the first game, naturally, but we then have back-to-back home games and it will be good to experience the Vitality Blast again at the Fischer County Ground after missing out last year.

“We’re always well-backed here, and T20 nights are special, so we’re looking forward to having great atmospheres throughout. I noticed that even more last year when being in the crowd at times so it will be great to get on the field this year.

“I think we have a really exciting squad for T20 and in Nico [Paul Nixon] we have one of the most forward-thinking coaches in cricket.”

Raine is looking forward to playing alongside overseas duo Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Nabi. The 26-year-old has already struck up a brilliant new ball partnership with Abbas in the red/pink ball cricket and is savouring the chance to have Nabi as a teammate.

“Bassy [Muhammad Abbas] is world-class, batsmen struggle to score off him and the way he restricts runs is fantastic,” he said.

“Sometimes batsmen take more of a risk against me and the other bowlers which can work in our favour - especially in the Blast, where taking regular wickets is key.

“I think Mohammad Nabi is also a superstar, when he bats he can hit it miles and he’s a proven wicket taker in this format, so I’d say that bodes pretty well for us!

“I remember seeing the reaction when the signing was announced, so people are clearly looking forward to seeing him in action.”

The 2018 season has been a huge success for Raine so far, being Leicestershire CCC’s leading first-class wicket-taker and also making vital contributions with the bat and in the field.

An elevation to No.3 in the Royal London One-Day cup paid immediate dividends at Worcestershire Rapids, where he scored a career-best 83.

Wednesday’s six-wicket win at Derbyshire saw the Foxes finish the block of Specsavers County Championship cricket on a high ahead of the Vitality Blast campaign, something Raine is keen to build on.

“I’m delighted with how we have started the season and the lads have been brilliant,” he said. “We probably should have had three wins from the latest block of Championship cricket but the level to which we have been playing at is a great sign.

“On a personal note, I have really enjoyed getting more responsibility in the batting line-up so far. I’ve gone back to playing my natural game and looking to be positive when I bat.

“I’d love the opportunity to bat in the top order in the Blast but we are loaded with good batsmen, so I am open to wherever I bat and just doing a job for the side.”

* Tickets for our first Vitality Blast home game against Durham Jets on Friday, July 6 cost just £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s in advance of the fixture. Secure your seat at the Fischer County Ground today HERE