Leicestershire Foxes are hoping that the experience of a near-miss in 2013 will help them when this year's T20 action gets under way.
The Foxes entertain Derbyshire Falcons at Grace Road tomorrow (5.30pm) in the re-branded, new-format NatWest T20 Blast, the first of 14 games in the qualifying groups ahead of the quarter-finals and traditional finals day.
Josh Cobb's side finished just one win away from making the quarter-finals last season and showed particularly good form at home, where they won three and tied one of their five matches, attracting good crowds to Grace Road.
Director of cricket Phil Whitticase hopes that now the players have that experience in their locker, they will be able to press on. He also believes the capture of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris will be a major plus.
"Experience will count," said Whitticase. "The lads are a year older, are more able to clear the boundaries and give us more options."
He likens Styris, who has had 20-over experience all around the world, including several spells in this country, to Andrew McDonald, the Australian who was instrumental in Leicestershire's 2011 triumph.
"Scott balances the side," said Whitticase. "He floats in the batting order and can finish games, and he is an Andrew McDonald-type bowler. His knowledge is vast and he will add strength to the side."
Styris has already slotted in at Grace Road as Leicestershire have enjoyed a week of preparation for their opening bow.
"Having him around has given the players a bit of a lift – not that they needed one, the way things have been going," said Whitticase.
"He has settled in well. He knew quite a few of the lads anyway."
Styris fills the second overseas player berth which was taken by Bangladesh star Shakib-al-Hasan last season.
Ramnaresh Sarwan is also available for 20-over cricket this season having missed out through international calls and the Caribbean Premier League 12 months ago.
"Looking at our bowling, we haven't had to change much, said Whitticase. "Scott comes in for Shakib, who was a good option with his slow left-arm.
"Batting-wise, I don't think we saw the best of Shakib. Scott is more controlled and can be clinical towards the end."
Dan Redfern, signed from Derbyshire during the winter, has the ability to offer with both bat and ball, as well as being a high-class fielder.
Seam bowler Charlie Shreck, however, is not likely to feature in the quickfire format.
Nathan Buck and Ant Ireland are good candidates to lead the attack, backed by all-rounders Styris, Rob Taylor and Michael Thornely.
