Talbots Law Player of the Match Hassan Ali might have found a third home.

The popular seamer, who labels Edgbaston as his “second home”, once again took centre stage in Durham in the Vitality Blast.

After collecting the award last year with a 2/15 performance, the right-hander followed up 12 months later with an impressive 3/20 stint to help the Bears kick-start their campaign with six-wicket victory on Friday night.

“It’s a very special place for me because last year I got the award,” said Hassan. “It can’t be better than this. We’ve won the first game, I’ve got the Player of the Match, so I’m very glad.

“We have lots of meetings about how we’re going to play and we talk about our plans, so as a unit we executed very well. We have lots of options especially with Milo (Craig Miles) on the bench and Aamir Jamal who will come back very soon.

“It’s a great unit and there’s lots of cricket so we need options and we’ve got experienced bowlers added to the group so there’s healthy competition.

“Tonight we were holding the length and using our variations and the result went our way.”

Four Teams. Two Matches. Blast Off is back!

Vitality Blast Off is back and the Bears will launch their home T20 campaign with a huge men’s double-header featuring two big Midlands rivalry games.

Taking place on Saturday 1 June, Derbyshire Falcons host Leicestershire Foxes (2.30pm) before the Bears take on Notts Outlaws (6.30pm). Buy tickets in advance and save.

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