Friends Provident t20 preview: Gloucestershire Gladiators

T20 pedigree Have qualified only twice from the group stages, as quarter-finalists in 2006 and runners-up in 2007, but have struggled since then and failed to qualify from the Midlands group last year. Captain Alex Gidman Overseas player James Franklin (New Zealand) Left-arm swing bowler and a dangerous lower-middle-order batsman. Watch out for Steve Kirby Firebrand fast bowler and England Lions regular. Prospects There is little to suggest that they will get past the group stages. How they're hoping to pull the punters in The Gladiators will look to create a "carnival" atmosphere at the County Ground again. Along with street dancers there will be much to offer for the kids including coaching, face painting and a BBQ. Odds 50-1 Group fixtures 4 June Glamorgan Dragons (a) 6.40pm 8 June Surrey Lions (a) 5.30pm 11 June Glamorgan Dragons (h) 7.00pm 13 June Middlesex Panthers (a) 2.40pm 16 June Sussex Sharks (a) 7.10pm 18 June Somerset Sabres (a) 4.30pm 19 June Hampshire Royals (h) 2.30pm 23 June Essex Eagles (h) 5.30pm 25 June Hampshire Royals (a) 7.00pm 29 June Sussex Sharks (h) 7.00pm 2 July Glamorgan Dragons (h) 5.30pm 4 July Kent Spitfires (a) 3.00pm 11 July Somerset Sabres (h) 2.30pm 15 July Gloucestershire Gladiators (h) 7.00pm 16 July Somerset Sabres (h) 5.30pm 18 July Surrey Lions (h) 2.30pm