Petersen hopes Lightning can pick up T20 form

Alviro Petersen is hoping “clever” Lancashire have finally kick-started their NatWest T20 Blast title defence.

The ex-South Africa international’s 68 was a mainstay of the Lightning’s home win over Worcestershire last Friday, although Stephen Parry claimed 5-13 and Nathan Buck 3-12.

Lancashire posted 149-5 before bowling the Rapids out for just 53 to win by a massive 96 runs.

It was the win their Blast campaign has been crying out for following only two wins in their previous seven North Group games.

Petersen’s effort was his highest T20 score in a Lancashire shirt and his highest for anyone since midway through 2011 when he played for Glamorgan.

Parry also returned Lancashire’s best ever bowling figures in this format.

The Lightning face Yorkshire Vikings next at Headingley tomorrow, starting at 6.30pm.

“It has been (an indifferent start),” said Petersen, 35, who also scored 191 against Middlesex in the Championship at Lord’s earlier this week.

“But what we did really well on Friday was to assess the conditions.

“We knew that it was a deteriorating wicket and that we had to get runs on the board.

“Bowling second on there, we knew if we did that we’d have the upper hand because chasing was always going to be difficult.

“I think we played clever cricket. We know that Twenty20 cricket is about hitting sixes and fours and that sort of stuff, but we were clever.

“Our bowlers were really good. Nathan Buck set the tone at the top with three wickets before our spinners really controlled the game in the middle.

“It should be a stepping stone for us in the competition to make sure we get ourselves in contention for Top Four. From there, anything can happen.”

One of Lancashire’s three wins so far came over Yorkshire at Emirates Old Trafford at the start of June, contributing to the Vikings’ miserable campaign so far.

They are rooted to the bottom of the table with one win from seven, and they accept that it will be difficult for them to secure a quarter-final berth.

But they would love nothing more than to put a spanner in the works for their arch-rivals.

“The guys don’t need any motivation for that game,” said Petersen. “It’s just about rocking up. Everyone will be in the zone and want to play. It’s another big game for us.

“Their players will feel exactly the same. They will want to beat us. It should make for a good contest.”

Last year, Petersen only played two 20-over matches for the Lightning. This year, however, he has played six of the eight matches at the top of the order.

“It’s been good to play T20s, but every single format is good to play in,” he added.

“I just want to contribute wherever I can. Now and then, it’s good to have rest. I’ve had two games off with a foot injury, but I’m back now and enjoying every minute.”

CREDIT TO:http://www.lccc.co.uk/cricket/news/2016-news/petersen-hopes-lightning-can-pick-up-t20-form/