Gareth Batty: I’ve not got long left in the game so I’m desperate for silverware

When we lost the final of last year’s Twenty20 competition, it would have been natural to wonder whether I would ever be back. I can honestly say that the thought never even crossed my mind.

At 36, I know there might not be too many more of these occasions for me. But the quality in our squad at Surrey is so high that I’ve no doubts there will be lots of days like tomorrow at Edgbaston to come for our younger players. I’m not bothered about statistics. The chance to win silverware is why I play the game and the only reason I carry on. When I finish, I want to be able to talk about what trophies I’ve won and as I get older, the desire grows and grows.

Once you get into your thirties, you’re fully aware that you don’t have 20 years left in the game, as some of the younger players do. In that position, it’s also very important to enjoy these occasions, not worry too much about that.

Those nerves are probably something that affect younger players rather than older ones and that’s where I can play a role off the field, along with the other senior players and the management group. It’s important we do what we’ve been doing in T20 cricket for the last two years.

The defeat by Northampton in last year’s final has just given us that extra boost to try to go all the way this time. T20 Finals Day is now the domestic showpiece, a wonderful day out that really does add something extra to it.

And you wouldn’t back against Kevin Pietersen turning up and doing something special, either. KP has been fantastic for our younger players this season. We’ve rarely seen a player who’s so mentally strong and yet prepared to take such risks. Edgbaston is the stage for all of us to deliver and go one better than last year.

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