David East is predicting Essex's biggest home crowd for six years tonight.
Kent Spitfires visit Chelmsford for a Twenty20 Cup day-night clash and county chief executive East is relishing the occasion.
"It looks as if we'll be getting our biggest attendance for many years probably since the Benson and Hedges semi-final against Glamorgan in 1997," he said.
"For normal one-day games we get between 1,500 and 2,000, but we're anticipating between 5,500 and 6,000 for this game.
"This is the type of thing we were hoping for when the idea of Twenty20 cricket came in.
"I was very enthusiastic about it and I truly believe it will broaden cricket's appeal."
East was speaking ahead of the county's hectic programme of three limited overs games in a row.
After today's game, Ronnie Irani's men then travel to meet Sussex Sharks in the same competition tomorrow, before Zimbabwe provide the opposition in a tourists' match at Chelmsford on Sunday.
The Zimbabwe duel will result in a brotherly reunion with Andy Flower, one of the county's overseas stars, sharing the same pitch with sibling Grant.
Advance tickets for the Middlesex Crusaders match on Tuesday, June 24 remain available from the club's ticket office on 01245 254010
Published Friday, June 20, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article