LEFT-ARMER Jack Shantry admits Worcestershire Rapids are determined to "put right” "some wrongs” in this season’s NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

The County enjoyed a successful T20 competition last summer before losing a weather-affected quarter-final clash to Hampshire in front of a 5,000 capacity crowd at New Road.

Worcestershire slipped to a 17-run defeat under the Duckworth Lewis Method after bad light halted their innings with the Rapids at 58-2 off 8.1 overs in reply to Hampshire’s 196-4 off 20 overs.

It was Worcestershire’s fifth successive quarter-final exit.

They, along with Derbyshire, remain the only two clubs who have failed to reach finals’ day since the competition’s inauguration in 2003.

“We certainly feel a touch hard done by in the quarter-final against Hampshire last year so there are some wrongs we want to put right,” said 28-year-old Shantry.

"We have some explosive hitters and some reliable bowlers.

“We felt we had a chance to go all the way last year but this year’s squad is as strong if not stronger than last summer and we will come back fighting.”

Shrewsbury-born Shantry, who took 57 wickets for Worcestershire last season, has worked on mixing up a few of his deliveries over the winter.

“You are always trying to work on different balls whether it’s to deceive the batsman through swing, seam or a change of pace,” he said.

“It’s especially important in white-ball cricket because the ball doesn’t do much after the lacquer has worn off. There’s always something you can work on.”

Rapids open their T20 campaign against Durham Jets at New Road on May 20 before travelling to Edgbaston to face Midlands rivals Birmingham Bears seven days later.

Shantry loves the fast-paced short format and the carnival atmosphere created by packed crowds.

“T20 cricket is probably the closest we get to being in a football match,” he said.

“Most cricketers are failed footballers and playing T20 is the closest we will get to playing in a football match with a great atmosphere.

“As bowler when everything is condensed into four overs it’s a lot more instantly gratifying or painful.

“The atmosphere can get the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up.

"I love the crowd participation and with New Road rocking and a full house they can be very special days.

“I tend to take each game as it comes but the games against Birmingham Bears, in particular, are always ferocious and fiercely contested. I don’t think this year's matches will be any different.”