Fun and games of Twenty20 return

The Twenty20 Cup returns on Friday for its fifth year with the promise of more thrills and spills, plus a few surprises along the way. The 72 group matches start tomorrow and culminate in the finals day at Edgbaston on August 4.

Leicestershire's task of retaining the title for the third time in five years will be made more difficult by the loss of Darren Maddy to group rivals Warwickshire, but Paul Nixon and Stuart Broad will ensure the team-spirit that has guided them to every finals day is evident again.

Nixon, the most experienced Twenty20 player in the world, said that the secret to a successful campaign is about playing with freedom: "It's all about us expressing ourselves and showing no fear. Our success has been based on having effective game plans and players thriving on the responsibility they are given within that plan. We face that same challenge again this summer, but the guys have every reason to believe we can be successful again."

Surrey have sold over 100,000 tickets this season and are counting on another successful campaign lead by their reality TV stars, Mark Ramprakash and Mark Butcher. With James Benning and Alistair Brown in their midst, the leading big hitters in Twenty20, Surrey are set for capacity crowds and should be in the running for a successful charge to finals day, for the fifth year in a row, despite poor form this season. As their captain Mark Butcher says: "It's a great chance to play in front of some packed houses."

Many counties are reporting unprecedented ticket sales for their group matches. Darren Gough's return to Yorkshire has ensured a sell-out crowd at Headingley for the clash against Lancashire on June 25. Essex will also be hanging out the 'house-full' sign for all four of their home fixtures at Chelmsford.

The World Cup singled out Nixon and Ravi Bopara as big game players, and Twenty20 certainly helps with that.

As the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship looms in September, there is added incentive for home-grown players to shine as well as overseas stars to brush up their skills. Lancashire have bolstered their squad with the signing of Sanath Jayasuriya.

Justin Langer, the competition's leading run scorer with 464 from eight matches, will aim to bring Twenty20 glory back to Somerset, who won the title in 2005 with Graeme Smith at the helm.

While of course aggressive hitting is what everyone comes to see, the players now talk more of aggressive bowling. As Butcher says: "Take as many wickets as you can early on. Then slot as many out of the park as possible."

As usual there will be some novel attractions on offer around the country. For Northamptonshire's match against Worcestershire on June 22 there will be a 'Monty Zone' complete with a lookalike competition. The hot-tub returns to Grace Road for the opening match of the competition, and there will also be a ready made patio area complete with pizza delivery.

Warwickshire have introduced a Ladies Day at Edgbaston on June 26, including a game between the England A Ladies and an Invitational XI in a match on the main square. A Pimms reception and beauty bus will also be at the ground. It could only happen in Twenty20.