Steelbacks confirmed to face Essex in first t20 semi-final

Having been paired with the Eagles last night, the County had to wait to see whether they were to be on first or second on the big day at Edgbaston.

With Surrey and Hampshire clashing in the other game, though, they have been given the afternoon slot to allow their fans more time to travel to the midlands.

Essex are, in theory at least, the easiest draw having only come through the South Group in third place after losing four and winning five of the nine games they played.

However, a dominant show against Nottinghamshire in the last quarter-final show they are a force to be reckoned with and players such as Graham Napier, Shaun Tait and Ryan ten Doeschate are all potential matchwinners.

The game will begin at 11am and is scheduled for a 1.45pm finish.

The second semi will take place between 2.30pm and 5.15pm with the final getting under way at 6.45pm.

There is ticket information either from the Northamptonshire website www.northantscricket.com or at www.edgbaston.com.

Alternatively there is 24-hour ticket hotline on 0844 847 1902.