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Smith not underestimating Northants

Tom Smith is determined not to underestimate tonight's opponents Northants as Lancashire move closer to a place in the quarter-finals of the Friends Life t20 competition.

The Lightning go in search of a fourth win on the spin in front of the TV cameras at Wantage Road against a side who have only won two North Division clashes out of 13 matches so far.

Despite being in the latter stages of the group stages, tonight’s clash is the first between the two sides this summer.

Smith, who scored 45 not out in Sunday’s win over Notts Outlaws at Old Trafford, said: “Northants have struggled this year, but we won't be taking them lightly.

“They've got a very dangerous team and a good overseas player. We'll be going there with our minds set on having a tough game. But, if we play like we have been doing, we’ll win the match.”

Northants will field South African off-spinner Johan Botha, but former Lightning batsman Mal Loye will not play due to injury.

Not only have Lancashire won their last three, but results elsewhere have gone their way too, strengthening their chances of clinching a place in the last eight for the fourth year in a row.

Comments from Smith and captain Steven Croft following Sunday’s win against Notts highlighted the confidence within the dressing room, both saying they are a match for anyone in the country.

This is the first of three remaining matches, including tomorrow’s clash under lights with Warwicks Bears at Old Trafford and the return meeting with the Steelbacks on Friday night.

The latter match could be academic if Lancashire win their next two.

Smith added: “If we win Tuesday and Wednesday, the pressure will be slightly off us come Friday.

“But these are a big two games coming up on Tuesday and Wednesday. We've got a good balance and we're very settled in the roles we've got at the moment, so we'll aim to kick on from here.

“We're in a good position because, compared to the other teams, we've got quite a few games left.”

The game against the Steelbacks is live on Sky Sports (5.40pm start) with the Lightning needing two more victories from their remaining three games to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Squad for Tuesday: Glen Chapple (capt), Karl Brown, Jordan Clark, Steven Croft, Gareth Cross (wkt), Junaid Khan, Gary Keedy, Farveez Maharoof, Sajid Mahmood, Stephen Moore, Stephen Parry, Luke Procter, Tom Smith

Tom Smith was talking to Graham Hardcastle
Photo (c) Simon Pendrigh