T20 Blast Recap: Weather affects schedule but excitement in two-standing fixtures

Essex Eagles (226-4), Surrey (174-7). Essex Eagles win by 52 runs.

The Chelmsford crowd deserved an entertaining show after being forced to wait over an hour before eventually seeing some cricket; that was exactly what they received upon play’s begin.

Essex opener Cameron Delport sent the Eagles soaring towards a huge total as he struck an astonishing 129 from only 49 balls. The British-South African sent a barrage of sixes into the crowd, eventually ending his innings with fourteen boundaries after being caught in long-on by Jade Dernbach.

However, the Eagles’ overseas signing was not the only one sending the Chelmsford crowd to cover as Dan Lawrence scored an unbeaten 57 from 22 balls, including six sixes and two fours as he reached a half-century from just seventeen deliveries.

Will Jacks put up an early fight for Surrey as he sent Shane Snater’s bowling for four successive fours and then delivered Matt Quinn’s first two bowls for six; but, in the same over, Ravi Bopara took the all-important wicket, catching Jacks at mid-wicket. It proved to be the first of three wickets in four deliveries as Surrey suddenly found themselves at 32 for four.

Rory Burns and Jordan Clark also fought for the impossible, scoring 47* and 45 respectively, but it was too big a mountain for the visitors as their innings closed on 174 for seven.

Worcestershire Rapids v Birmingham Bears. Abandoned without a ball bowled

Fidel Edwards was denied a debut for Birmingham Bears just a few hours after signing as play was abandoned at New Road.

The two sides arrived set to contest the annual Norman Gifford trophy; however, poor weather in the west meant that the two sides would share a point.

Yorkshire Vikings v Notts Outlaws. Abandoned without a ball bowled

Notts Outlaws earned their first point of their 2019 Vitality T20 Blast as nationwide weather continued to affect play.

Persistent rain fell throughout the day, followed by heavier showers just before play was due to commence, and left the umpires no option but to abandon on any prospect of play following a 7.30pm inspection.