Malan ready for ‘awesome’ double header

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Middlesex star Dawid Malan predicts this weekend’s groundbreaking T20 double header will be an “awesome” occasion which will excite players and fans alike.

A huge crowd is expected at Lord’s on Saturday to watch Middlesex Panthers launch their Natwest T20 Blast campaign with back-to-back matches, a first in English cricket outside of the competition’s finals day.

Middlesex take on four-time semi-finalists Essex Eagles at 12pm and are immediately back in action against 2009 winners Sussex Sharks from 4pm.

Malan, who is expected to open for the Panthers in both matches, told West London Sport: “When we heard about the double header we were all extremely excited.

“We all love t20 cricket and with the whole revamp of the competition it should bring some new people into the sport.

“If we get a full house or close to it then it will be an unbelievable experience for players and fans.”

The revamped format for the T20 Blast sees it run alongside the County Championship, rather than in a separate block of fixtures as in previous years.

Middlesex only finished their last four-day match against Lancashire on Wednesday and they will be thrown straight into Championship action again at Northamptonshire on Sunday, meaning only two days off out of 11.

Malan said: “One T20 match takes a lot out of you as it is and we’ve got a four-day match starting the next day.

“There will be decisions to make about whether we play the same team in both T20 games, or if we rest some guys ahead of the four-day game.”

Middlesex have failed to reach the T20 knockout stages since winning the tournament in 2008, but Malan believes his side could be dark horses with England T20 captain Eoin Morgan now available and Australian all-rounder and short-form specialist Dan Christian signing on.

He said: “Morgy is the best one-day player in the country. He will bring new ideas to the team, with what he’s learned from the IPL and playing for England.

“We’ve struggled for a big hitter in the lower order and Dan gets it a long way. He also offers us a bowling option as well.”

Tickets for the Lord’s double header are selling fast but will still be available to buy on the gate on the day. Prices for both matches are £30 for adults and £5 for children.

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