Lancashire Lightning v Leicestershire Foxes: Vitality Blast Match Preview Lancashire Lightning are set to face Leicestershire Foxes in a Vitality Blast T20 match at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday, May 29, at 6:30pm. The Red Rose county secured a strong start to their campaign with a convincing 39-run victory over Nottinghamshire at the same venue on Monday, bouncing back from an opening defeat to Surrey. Lancashire’s performance against the Outlaws highlighted their dominance at home, where they have maintained a formidable record since the Blast’s inception in 2003. The county has only lost 30 matches at Emirates Old Trafford in the competition’s history, a testament to their home advantage. Leicestershire Foxes, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency in the T20 format. Despite a strong debut in 2004, 2006, and 2011, the team has only reached the quarter-finals twice in the last 14 years. This season, they have faced challenges, losing their first three matches. Their recent defeat to Derbyshire at home saw them chase down a target of 230-5, managing only 145 all out. The Foxes’ squad includes experienced players such as captain Ben Green, a former Somerset Blast-winning all-rounder, and overseas signings like Ashton Turner and Nick Kelly. However, the absence of England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who is playing in the IPL, leaves a gap in their batting and bowling options. Ben Green, now leading Leicestershire, has transitioned from the County Championship to T20 cricket this season. The 28-year-old, who previously played for Somerset in the Blast, has taken three wickets in his first three matches for the Foxes. His leadership has been praised by coach Alfonso Thomas, who noted Green’s ability to command respect and his calm, competitive nature.#emirates_old_Trafford #vitality_blast #lancashire_lightning #leicestershire_foxes #ben_green
Lancashire Thunder Announce Squad for Vitality Blast Opener Against Surrey Lancashire Thunder’s head coach, Chris Read, has finalized a 13-player squad for the team’s inaugural match of the 2026 Vitality Blast, set to take place at the Kia Oval in London. The game against Surrey is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with play beginning at 2:15 PM. This match marks the start of the T20 tournament, with the Thunder aiming to build on their recent success in the 2025 Vitality County Cup. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with a notable addition being Meg Lanning, the former Australia captain. Lanning is set to make her debut for Lancashire after joining the team at Emirates Old Trafford this week. She will be joined by England international Kate Cross, as well as young prospects Darcey Carter and Grace Johnson. Carter, who recently scored a century for the Thunder Academy, brings fresh energy to the squad. The team will be without several key players, including England stars Sophie Ecclestone, Emma Lamb, and Mahika Gaur. Ecclestone is unavailable due to international commitments, while Lamb and Gaur are sidelined with injuries. Gaur, in particular, is recovering from a fractured foot, which will keep her out of the match. Ellie Threlkeld will continue as the team’s captain, leading the side in their quest for T20 success. Threlkeld, who guided Lancashire to victory in the 2025 Vitality County Cup, aims to build on that momentum. The squad’s lineup includes Ellie Threlkeld (captain), Darcey Carter, Alice Clarke, Kate Cross, Eve Jones, Hannah Jones, Grace Johnson, Meg Lanning, Ailsa Lister, Fi Morris, Tara Norris, Grace Potts, and Seren Smale.#emirates_old_Trafford #lancashire_thunder #chris_read #meg_lanning #kate_cross
Early Chris Green Arrival Strengthens Lancashire Ahead of Busy Schedule Lancashire Cricket Club has announced that overseas player Chris Green will arrive at Emirates Old Trafford earlier than initially planned, allowing him to participate in two County Championship matches before the start of the 2026 Vitality Blast season. The spin-bowling all-rounder, currently with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, is set to join the squad ahead of the scheduled fixtures against Middlesex (May 8–11) and Worcestershire (May 15–18). This move ensures Green will be available for additional matches, including the Blast campaign and two County Championship games against Kent (June 12–15) and Derbyshire (June 19–22). Green, 32, had been expected to join Lancashire ahead of the Blast opener against Surrey on May 22. However, his early arrival marks a strategic adjustment to maximize his contribution during the club’s busy schedule. The decision comes as the club aims to bolster its squad for both the T20 Blast and County Championship competitions. Green’s inclusion in the squad will span the entire Blast tournament, including the knockout stages, and he is anticipated to play a key role in the red-ball format as well. The all-rounder’s return to Lancashire is significant, given his previous success with the club. Over the past two seasons, Green has been a standout performer, earning the T20 Player of the Year award twice. In the T20 format, he has taken 35 wickets in 25 appearances while also contributing with the bat, scoring two centuries in first-class cricket. His performances in the red-ball format have been equally impressive, with 24 wickets in five First-Class matches.#pakistan_super_league #islamabad_united #chris_green #lancashire_cricket_club #emirates_old_Trafford
