Nerves will be tested in knock-out stage
The Friends Provident Trophy has reached the quarter-final stage with all four matches being played on Wednesday. Cricinfo takes a look at the four games and how the sides match up
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The home side are coming off a fine victory against Sussex in the Championship so will be in high spirits as they continue the defence of their title. It was touch-and-go for a while as to whether they would even qualify from the North Division, but they found form at the right time. "This is an important week and we are getting down to the business end of the competition," said Dale Benkenstein. "Ten days ago we had a mountain to climb but turned things around and now we are two games away from getting back to Lord's. I think it suits us being at home and I think we are feared at home and playing this quarter-final at Riverside is a big advantage to us."
Kent always had the makings of a side that could impress in one-day cricket this season, with so many allrounders that they often bat down to No. 9 or 10. The availability of Justin Kemp after his registration battle was a huge boost and his power-hitting gives the line-up a formidable appearance. In Yasir Arafat and Azhar Mahmood they also possess two of the finest death bowlers on the circuit.
Paul Grayson, the Essex coach, has backed his side to over the import-boosted Leicestershire side. The number of South Africans at Grace Road has caused plenty of debate in recent weeks, and there could be up to six on the team on Wednesday. "They have some good players and it's no coincidence that their upturn in fortunes has come with six or seven South Africans in their squad," Grayson said. "Whether you agree with it or not they have gone down the Kolpak route very heavily, which has led to a good start in the Championship and top place in their FPT group.
Bristol isn't quite the one-day fortress it used to be, but Gloucestershire are still a tough side to beat on their home patch. Captain Jon Lewis has been named in the squad despite the shoulder problem he suffered against Warwickshire the Championship. The top-order is strong, with the power-hitting of Craig Spearman a potential match-winner, alongside the support of Hamish Marshall and Marcus North.