The brilliant T20 Blast finally returns in 2020 as counties across England and Wales go toe-to-toe for a tilt at the title.
This year’s Vitality T20 Blast runs from August 27 until October 3, with Finals Day at Edgbaston once again.
Teams will compete in the same three regional groups as the Bob Willis Trophy. They will initially play 10 group games each as the action comes thick and fast ahead of the knock-out phase.
We have looked into each team’s schedule and squad changes for this year’s tournament so we can bring you the best free cricket tips in the outright winner market.
Best Bet: Sussex Sharks to win the T20 Blast at 10.0 with LeoVegas
Back the Sharks for Success
Sussex Sharks have not won the English T20 Blast since 2009 but look a good bet for glory in this year’s competition.
They actually started as favourites for the tournament in 2019 and showed flashes that they can build on now.
Sussex quickly rose to the top of the South Group last year before exiting in the quarter-final stage as Moeen Ali fired his Worcestershire Rapids to Finals Day at their expense.
However, there was plenty to like about their early season form in 2019 and maintaining that in 2020 could see them involved at the Edgbaston showpiece this time around.
They are currently priced at 10.0 with LeoVegas to claim overall victory. Those double-figure odds look a little high considering the talent at their disposal.
Salt and Wright to Fire Again
Exciting batsman Phil Salt is determined to catapult himself into England contention and another impressive Vitality Blast would make all the difference.
He smashed the most runs for Sussex in 2019 with 406 in 13 innings. Add in spells in the Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League and Caribbean Premier League and the 23-year-old looks ready to kick-on.
He’ll be supported at the top of the order by experienced T20 run-getter Luke Wright. Laurie Evans is heading for Surrey next season but will be keen to end his time at Hove with this honour.
Add in the all-round capabilities of Delray Rawlins and David Wiese and it's a batting line-up that can do damage.
They may have lost Reece Topley to Surrey but the addition of Ravi Bopara could prove a masterstroke.
Their bowling attack also boasts Chris Jordan and Ollie Robinson. While much will come down to their England inclusion, there is a chance of Jofra Archer featuring should Sussex make it to the latter stages of the tournament.
Will Beer will provide some much-needed spin option after the signing of Rashid Khan fell through after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Odds on the Next Vitality T20 Blast Winner
The Notts Outlaws are made favourites to secure the England domestic T20 trophy in 2020.
| Team |
T20 Blast Winner Odds |
| Notts Outlaws |
8.0 |
| Essex Eagles |
9.0 |
| Sussex Sharks |
10.0 |
| Somerset |
10.0 |
| Hampshire |
11.0 |
| Lancashire Lightning |
11.0 |
| Middlesex |
11.0 |
| Yorkshire Vikings |
11.0 |
| Surrey |
12.0 |
| Worcestershire Rapids |
12.0 |
| Kent Spitfires |
15.0 |
| Birmingham Bears |
17.0 |
| Gloucestershire |
17.0 |
| Derbyshire Falcons |
23.0 |
| Northants Steelbacks |
26.0 |
| Glamorgan |
26.0 |
| Leicestershire Foxes |
34.0 |
| Durham |
34.0 |
Group Winner Bet is Another Option
Despite being in the Southern Group with last season’s winners Essex Eagles, looking at this market could be another good option.
With T20 cricket being unpredictable at times, especially in the heat of battle on Finals Day, the group stages could be a truer reflection on Sussex’s ability.
Backing them to win their group could also be an appealing option and give you a payout mid-way through the tournament.
The Sharks are priced at 3.90 by LeoVegas to end the group phase in first place.
Rapids a Solid Each-Way Play
One of the dangers to Sussex’s chances in 2020 could come from the Central League in the form of Worcestershire Rapids.
They have been brilliant in the T20 Blast in recent years and came close to landing back-to-back titles last season.
Rikki Wessels has been a fine addition to their batting prowess and Hamish Rutherford arrives to boost them further.
They are a county that won’t be as hindered by international call-ups or the loss of overseas stars compare to some of their opponents.
Pat Brown featuring in the England T20 squad to face Pakistan will be a blow, but they do have a wealth of young bowling talent waiting in the wings.
Even with that factored in, their price of 13.00 with bet365 makes them a decent each-way bet. bet365 are paying half the odds for a top-two finish.
We will be providing more free T20 Blast tips and match predictions both before and during the tournament.
