Friends Provident T20 preview: Essex Eagles

T20 pedigree Failed to progress from the group stage last year but reached the semi-finals in 2008, losing to Kent Spitfires, whom they play first on 2 June, thanks to Graeme Napier's astonishing batting performances. Captain Mark Pettini Overseas players Scott Styris (New Zealand) Misses the Eagles' first T20 match but joins on 10 June to face Surrey at the Oval. Aggressive, right-handed all-rounder. Danish Kaneria (Pakistan) The talented wrist-spinner faces an ECB ban while police investigate allegations into spot fixing and betting irregularities. Watch out for James Foster Excellent death-hitter and a purist's dream behind the stumps. Prospects A powerful batting line-up, including Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and Hashim Amla, should take Essex into the quarter-finals at least. How they're hoping to get the punters in As well as draught beer available in two-pint glasses, there will be cheerleaders throughout each game as well as singers, competitions and racing mascots. The Eagles are also encouraging fans to explore fancy dress. Odds 16-1 Group fixtures 2 June Kent Spitfires (h) 7.10pm 10 June Surrey Lions (a) 6.30pm 11 June Glamorgan Dragons (h) 7.00pm 13 June Middlesex Panthers (a) 2.40pm 16 June Somerset Sabres (a) 5.30pm 19 June Glamorgan Dragons (a) 6.30pm 23 June Gloucestershire Gladiators (a) 5.30pm 25 June Surrey Lions (h) 7.00pm 27 June Hampshire Royals (a) 2.30pm 29 June Sussex Sharks (h) 7.00pm 4 July Hampshire Royals (h) 2.30pm 9 July Kent Spitfires (a) 5.30pm 11 July Somerset Sabres (h) 2.30pm 15 July Gloucestershire Gladiators (h) 7.00pm 16 July Sussex Sharks (a) 7.10pm 18 July Middlesex Panthers (h) 2.30pm