Craig Overton is fired up to help Somerset capture another trophy as they prepare for their fifth consecutive Vitality Blast Finals Day. The club’s journey from perennial bridesmaids to consistent contenders has been remarkable in recent years.
Somerset finally broke their streak of near-misses with a memorable T20 triumph in 2023, following up with a runner-up finish against Gloucestershire last year. Overton, 31, acknowledges their past struggles but is optimistic about the team’s current momentum.
“We know we’ve entered a fantastic period, although our reputation as bridesmaids from previous years still lingers,” Overton told the PA news agency. “We wanted to change that narrative, and winning two trophies along with reaching more finals is proof we’re on the right path. Being able to compete at this level and have the chance to lift the trophy is very special.
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“There’s a great feeling in the squad. We performed well last year—not as much as in 2023, but that’s the nature of T20 cricket. To win, we have to turn up and perform when it counts, securing two victories on Finals Day.”
One challenge for Somerset and the other finalists is the absence of key England internationals and overseas stars, reflecting the dense international calendar. Somerset will be without Tom Banton for their semi-final clash with Lancashire, who are similarly missing Jos Buttler due to England’s T20 series against South Africa.
However, Lancashire receive a boost with James Anderson returning after a recent injury, preparing for his fifth Finals Day appearance. “I’m really excited. The reason I continued playing this season was to win something special with Lancashire,” Anderson shared with in-house media.
Somerset will rely on the heroics of quarter-final star Sean Dickson, who will finish his tenure with the club after this season. Dickson’s unbeaten 71 guided Somerset past Birmingham Bears last week, and he also earned man-of-the-match honors in their 2023 win over Essex.
Lancashire’s England outcast Liam Livingstone shone with an unbeaten 85 to secure victory over Kent in their quarter-final. Northamptonshire, powered by former England player Ravi Bopara’s explosive century off 46 balls, stunned Surrey at The Kia Oval to reach Finals Day.
Darren Lehmann’s Northamptonshire side will face Hampshire in the second semi-final. Hampshire seek their record fourth Vitality Blast title with Australian batsmen Hilton Cartwright and Chris Lynn hitting half-centuries in a recent 26-run win over Durham. However, Liam Dawson is away on England duty.
“Our team’s mood is upbeat despite the packed schedule,” Hampshire head coach Jason Kerr said. “While there’s been talk about future moves and who’s playing Finals Day next year, the focus remains firmly on the present. Eleven players will take to the field Saturday, ready to showcase their talent with confidence and determination.”
Kerr added, “Finals Day demands controlling your emotions and rising to the occasion. Playing better cricket than the opposition is the key. Winning moments are fleeting but unforgettable, and that’s the thrill we’re chasing again.”
Somerset squad: Will Smeed, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, James Rew, Sean Dickson, Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory, Ben Green, Craig Overton, Lewis Goldsworthy, Kasey Aldridge, Migael Pretorius, Josh Davey, Jack Leach, Jake Ball.