Twenty20 visions

The Sky Sports commentary team give us the experts' view on Saturday's Finals Day - and Mascot Race!

We ask the experts who they think will triumph at the Rose Bowl

It's Twenty20 Finals Day at the Rose Bowl on Saturday and Sky Sports will be broadcasting EVERY ball live. As usual the competition has been full of high drama and big hits and not without its controversy following Yorkshire's exclusion and the possibility of a Champions League place for the two finalists, plus qualification to the Stanford Super Series for the winners. But after all that we are down to four sides: reigning champions Kent, and first-time finalists Essex, Middlesex and Durham. The bookies can barely split them so we turned to the men in the know, the guys that have guided you all the way from the very first game of the competition right down to the showcase finale - the Sky Sports commentary team. We caught up with Ian Ward, Nasser Hussain, David Lloyd, Nick Knight, Paul Allott and Charles Colville to ask them who they think is going to shine on Saturday. And in true finals day tradition we couldn't overlook the Mascot's Race which, like the cricket, promises to be a close-run affair. Here's what the team had to say...

Nasser Hussain

It's Twenty20 Finals Day again, set the scene for us... All four are very good sides and it is almost impossible to separate them, on paper at least. There is a slight cloud hanging over Saturday with the ICL problems and I do hope the sides are clear on the ramifications if they do play their ICL players. I suppose the ECB will be praying that Middlesex and Essex make it to the final because they don't have any! The upside to all this is the massive financial difference the Champions League could make to the two finalists, so there is even more to play for than usual on Finals Day. There will be a lot riding on every single game, not just the final and it makes what was already a tense and thrilling day even more dramatic. Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? Honestly? I can't separate the four of them, I really can't. All four sides bring something different: Durham have the experienced superstars like Shaun Pollock, Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Kent have been there and done it and can rely on the likes of Joe Denly, Justin Kemp and Azar Mahmood; Essex are a young side packed with talented boys like Graham Napier, James Foster and Danish Kaneria and Middlesex are the dark horses of the whole tournament. I'll be honest again and say I hadn't heard of half of them when the tournament began, but the likes of Dirk Nannes, Steve Finn and Dawid Malan have come from nowhere and really impressed. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I just fancy Durham's stars to turn it on and Essex to sneak past Kent, purely through loyalty. It's impossible to call, so I will have to go with my heart and not necessarily my head, and say Essex! Pick out a player to watch... There are so many; the whole Kent batting line-up, Foster and Napier at Essex, but I think the captains will have a big part to play. Rob Key is very, very influential in the way his side perform, but I like Dale Benkenstein of Durham. He is a calm captain and a decent leader and I like that in a captain. You can't ignore Napier, but any one of a number of English players will be out to impress - not only is this Finals Day, it's a platform to get into the England Twenty20 side and line up for the Stanford millions. And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? My main interest will be (David) Lloyd and whether it's true they are getting a golf buggy to cart him round! He reckons he can take on my pick, Lanky the Giraffe, and I have to say he has been out training with Pollock. My heart would say Eddie the Eagle from Essex, but I've heard there is no dodgy footwear, no fancy Nike trainers allowed. All I can say is I hope all of them are registered with their county, because I can't see Lloyd coming back to re-run it a week later!

Ian Ward

Set the scene for us: I've got to say I am hugely chuffed that we have Kent, Essex, Middlesex and Durham doing battle because they will all bring something slightly different to the table. You couldn't wish for a more diverse quartet, you really couldn't. From the spinning options of Essex, to the ferocious pace attack of Durham to dark horses Middlesex and reigning champions Kent, the line-up is brilliant. Finals day is always fabulous - long, but a great day nonetheless - but with the other little factors coming into play, this year has something extra. For a start we're talking about Champions League qualification and the small matter of something like $5million down the line and then we still don't really know what will happen with the ICL players involved at the Rose Bowl. I have been trying to work out whether it's better to play in the second semi, when you're the fresher of the two finalists, or in the first, so you can rest, and build yourself up again. I'm still not sure to be honest, because the games are so intense, it can take a lot out of you. And the beauty of the format is anyone can win a Twenty20 game, at any given time, or on any given day.... Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? I'm not sure that playing a Twenty20 game this week will really have an impact, but I fancy Durham to beat Middlesex and make it to the final. They have a ferocious and potent bowling attack and I wish any batsmen luck trying to hit any one of Steve and Ben Harmison, Liam Plunkett, Graham Onions and Shaun Pollock out of the ground - even Graham Napier. He will be the man to watch for Essex but I just wonder about them away from Chelmsford, so I can see Kent making it through the other semi. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I am going to stick to my guns and say Kent will beat Durham. I like the fact they've got match-winners throughout the side and I like the way Key captains his side. They are pretty relaxed and not too serious, and of course on Saturday they will have the advantage of having seen it all before. Pick out a player to watch... There are so many on show, it's hard to pick out one guy, but I suppose all eyes will be on Graham Napier. He keeps producing the big innings and the big shots and Essex are flexible with him. If it's turning they tend to keep him away from the spinners and drop him down the order, but I expect the Rose Bowl to favour the quicks, which suits Napes down to the ground. Expect him in at three and expect more fireworks! And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? I had picked the Kent Spitfire but Bumble has told me there might be a little handicap system going on and there will almost definitely be strict footwear guidelines, so all of a sudden I'm not so sure. If Bumble is promising to take out the Spitfire, I'll put my money on him and his Messerschmitt, but other than that, I'll have to check the conditions on the day!

Nick Knight

Set the scene for us... Well, we've got the defending champions and three first-timers which makes up a great line-up. I do think winning big games of cricket helps and Kent last year, and Durham in the Friends Provident, both have that experience. But Essex beat both Kent and Middlesex in the Southern Group and are playing with a lot of confidence. Middlesex are the novices, but sometimes when we talk about experienced players we mean England internationals and they don't play that much Twenty20, so might not be that decisive. There is going to be a hell of a lot of stake from the very first ball, because all four teams will want to get to that final and the possible Champions League riches beyond. Finals Day is new to the Rose Bowl but when we've been down their recently, the pitches have been absolute belters. The surface is getting better and better and I have a feeling it might just suit the sides that, in Twenty20 tradition, can take the pace off the ball. Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? You could flip a coin for both of them, but that Kent side is such a stunning one. They are well-led by Key, they have big-game experience and a long, long batting line-up that includes decent bowlers down the bottom. Basically they have got all the raw materials to go and defend their trophy. But, Essex cannot be written off in the slightest. They have been playing some great cricket at fortress Chelmsford and in James Foster, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara and of course, Graham Napier, have some wonderful talent to call on. Of course Danish Kaneria could easily come on and rip three quick wickets out, but I have to stick with Kent here. As for the other semi, well, I'm struggling! Middlesex have defended totals brilliantly throughout the competition and in Tyrone Henderson they have a great guy for bowling at the death. Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan have set the top of the innings alight, and Shaun Udal and Murali Karthik bowl so well in the middle of the innings. But then I look down that Durham attack and - whoever plays - it is such a difficult unit to face. And it s not just about pace, if it needs slowing down, they have Paul Collingwood, Dale Benkenstein and Gareth Breese who are all handy bowlers. If pushed, maybe just maybe, Udal and Kathik give Middlesex the edge. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I still think Kent are the side to beat and can't see beyond them, although not with any great conviction. They've been there and done it and know how to win big cricket games. I have a feeling I tipped them at the start too! As for the runners-up, I'll say Middlesex, but it could just as easily be Durham. Pick out a player to watch... I'm going to go for a type of player, in the spinner. While the obvious batsmen and bowlers will be crucial, I do think the slower bowlers could have a huge impact. I really like the look of Shaun Udal and Murali Kartik for Middlesex and Grant Flower will chip in for Essex, as will Gareth Breese with Durham. But Kent's James Tredwell is an emerging young spinner, who is aggressive, tosses it up there and I like that. And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? I guess I'm going to have to stay loyal and go for the Warwickshire Bear. It's about time we won - I've done every Finals Day and I can't remember jumping for joy in the middle phase of the day. Mind you, I'm not the best tipster... I can't even call a cricket game!

Paul Allott

Set the scene for us... Champions League qualification aside, there is added interest this year because I think there are plenty of places up for grabs as far as the England Twenty20 team goes. Plenty of players will see this as the chance to force their way into thinking which will only add to the show. The IPL will also be keeping a close eye on proceedings. Kent have been there and know how to win, but I would say out of the four sides they are probably least favourites with me. Essex have got the man of the tournament so far in Graham Napier and all eyes will be on him, and I just think Mark Pettini's men are on a roll. Durham have a great blend of youth, experience and Kolpak players. Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood both have points to prove, and Graham Onions is an improving bowler while for Middlesex, everyone will be watching Dawid Malan. Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? Kent's batting strength is good and Joe Denly has probably been man of the tournament for them with five half centuries so far. Rob Key is in good form too and Geraint Jones adds to a hugely experienced team. But Essex have got that man Napier and their confidence is high right now. They play some good, intelligent cricket and that should see them into the final.The second game is even harder to call. Durham are a quality side and played really well in their quarter-final against Glamorgan. The players overlooked by England will all be out to impress, so there are all sorts of little side issues there. They have the experience too of the likes of Dale Berkenstein and Shaun Pollock, while Middlesex will be looking for Malan to repeat his quarter-final heroics, where he caused an absolute storm. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I still think Durham are the team to beat and I think on paper you would have their superstars down to get past Middlesex. After that I would have them to go on and win the final - against Essex. Pick out a player to watch... Paul Collingwood. He has been hurt by being dropped by England and then by the ban from the one-day team - where he was captain don't forget. He will be determined to put on a really good, eye-catching performance. And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? It's probably tougher to call than the cricket, but being a proud Lancastrian I am going to stick to my roots and go for the local lad, Lanky the Giraffe.

Charles Colville

Set the scene for us... It's certainly an exciting line-up and what has been fascinating is the extra pressure this Champions League qualification has put on each semi-final. The captains will need to stay calm under pressure and it might just boil down to that. Durham had all the drama of the quarter-final of course but in Dale Benkenstein they have an outstanding leader. Kent's Rob Key has been there seen it done it, while Essex's Mark Pettini is young in the job and needs a great day. As for Ed Joyce and Middlesex, they have been the surprise of the tournament. It's a shame this ICL mess is still around but it won't detract from the cricket - the players just have to go out there and focus as if they are playing for a place in the Champions League. Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? Essex are the team riding on the crest of the wave that is Graham Napier and his extraordinary exploits, but I just think Kent will have too much up their sleeves. The experience of Key and the batting of Joe Denly and Martin van Jaarsveld, plus the considerable threat posed by Azar Mahmood should see them home. Also they have an outstanding off-spinner in James Tredwell and with honours even in the group games, I fancy Kent to edge the trilogy 2-1. As for Durham, I just wonder whether playing that quarter-final this week may just have tuned them up a little more than the others. Middlesex have done well to get here from absolutely nowhere, but this Dynamos side are superstars on paper and play like it out in the middle. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I'll go for Kent to retain their title by beating Durham in the final. Which inevitably will mean an Essex-Middlesex final and the Crusaders winning it. Pick out a player to watch... It will be very interesting to see what happens at 10.30am on Saturday morning when England announce their squad for the third Test and for that reason I am going for Steve Harmison. If picked it might galvanise him to show why, if left out he might well be smarting and out to prove a point. I haven't seen much of him lately but I have been told by those in the know that he is back to something like his best. And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? Well, the Kent Spitfire has an obvious advantage given that he has two wings and is not just relying on his feet. If he works out how to use his arms, I will go for him to make it a Kent double.

David Lloyd

Set the scene for us... This Twenty20 Finals Day has taken on a completely different significance. In the past it has been about pure fun, entertainment and let's all go out and have a laugh. Now it is all that but with a lot of money at stake. I'm going down to the Rose Bowl on Thursday morning to sit on a stage with Sir Allen Stanford and Richie Richardson and we are going to be talking cash - there is a massive carrot for the winner on Saturday. Looking at the four teams for Saturday's semi-finals, well I think we have the four best teams. I guess you could argue that Somerset were unlucky and at one stage Lancashire were up there too. But the big question is: have Kent got what it takes to win the final again? Now to the action, how do you see the semis going? Kent v Essex is a great south-east battle and will be a complete shoot-out. I just worry if Essex can move out of Chelmsford and succeed. Are they any good anywhere else? They have two absolutely gun players in Graham Napier and Ryan ten Doeschate, and I would say that James Foster is the best Twenty20 wicketkeeper/batsmen. But their challenge is: how good are they out of fortress Chelmsford? Kent are absolutely star-studded and are the best team I've seen in the competition. From the start they have been my pick for the final. They have already done it once and they have a fantastic captain in Robert Key. I'm going to go for Kent because I'm not going to leave them now and I do have one or two question marks over Essex. Middlesex were the surprise team but when you see them play you see that they're a proper team and are certainly not punching above their weight. They have some great energy and have a massive player in AC Malan - that is Dawid Malan to you. They also have the Irish connection of Eoin Morgan and Ed Joyce. The question I would ask Middlesex is: what else have you got? They are going to come up against the likes of Mustard, Collingwood, Pollock, Plunkett and Harmison when they play Durham. If I include Gareth Breese, who has played one game for the West Indies, there are nine internationals in that Durham line-up. So who makes the final and, more importantly, who wins it? I'm going to go for Durham to beat Middlesex so the final will see them against Kent. But although I see no reason to leave the Spitfires now, having backed them all the way, it's a toss-up for who will win and I'm not going to try and separate them. It will be like a gunfight at the OK Corral. Who wants it more and who is not going to bottle it? Pick out a player to watch... There will be some fine cricketers on show and I think one of the young 'uns will grab the headlines. Someone like Will Smith, who was sensational for Durham in the quarter-finals. And we can't forget the Mascot Race. Where's your money going? I can't get too involved as I have to have an open mind. But I'll make sure that Spitfire is not using his running shoes and I think Eddie the Eagle is always there or thereabouts. Lancashire's Lanky is off to another giraffe wedding or something, but there will be someone else in that yellow suit I am reliably informed.