BOWLER Jack Shantry admits Worcestershire Rapids are determined to “put right some wrongs” in the NatWest T20 Blast.

Rapids lost a weather-affected 2015 quarter-final to Hampshire in front of a 5,000 capacity crowd at New Road.

They slipped to a 17-run defeat under the Duckworth Lewis Method after bad light halted their innings on 58-2 in reply to 196-4.

It was Rapids’ fifth successive last-eight exit and, with Derbyshire, they remain the only clubs who have not reached finals day since the T20 began in 2003.

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

“We have explosive hitters and 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, and we will come back fighting.”

Shantry, who took 57 wickets last season, has worked on mixing up a few of his deliveries.

“You always try 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 as 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 at home to Durham Jets on May 20 before visiting Midlands rivals Birmingham Bears seven days later.

Shantry loves the fast-paced short format and carnival atmosphere.

“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.

“The games against Birmingham, in particular, are always ferocious and fiercely contested. I don’t think this year will be any different.”