Howell eyeing another trophy tilt as he returns to Birmingham Phoenix

Benny Howell is heading back to Edgbaston with only one thing on his mind – trophies, writes Sportsbeat's Milly McEvoy.

The 34-year-old all-rounder suffered defeat with Hampshire at the T20 Blast Finals Day this year and has reached the final and the eliminator of the Hundred in the first two years of the competition.

Howell has pulled back on the orange of Birmingham Phoenix for a third year, having taken 20 wickets across the last two editions.

“I have felt very settled the last few years,” the slow-ball specialist said. “The idea to move from Gloucestershire to Hampshire was to try and compete for more trophies.

“I feel like Hampshire are a top side and we had a chance on Finals’ Day, didn't quite manage it.

“I think that the Duckworth Lewis system didn't help us at all, but at the same time, it's great to be back and now I'm focusing on the Phoenix.

“When I turned up to Edgbaston for Finals’ Day, I still have the same feelings I love it.

“I absolutely love the ground. I just cannot wait to get back out there Edgbaston, great atmosphere, the Birmingham locals come out in the orange and support us, so it is great.”

Howell suffered a calf injury earlier in the season but returned midway through Hampshire Hawks’ T20 campaign as they made the semi-finals before losing to Essex Eagles in a rain-affected match.

Having come so close to winning both the Blast and The Hundred in recent years, Howell knows that the key is to trust what has worked before.

Howell, who was speaking at the launch of KP Snacks community cricket pitches initiative which will fund 100 new pitches over the next three years, added: “As Birmingham Phoenix, it is about doing the same thing that we have been doing just winning the key moments in the important games.

“The Hundred is very similar to T20 in that it's such a fast game that you can lose in one ball or in one set of five.

“You have just got to stay tuned in and hopefully you can win those moments.

“For me, it is about not doing too much different. It is just lot of hard work and doing the mental game plan before each game and then backing myself, that's most important.”

Howell is delighted to be captained by Moeen Ali for another season of the Hundred, Kiwi Daniel Vettori returning as coach, with the Birmingham Phoenix opening their campaign away to Northern Superchargers on 3 August before playing at Edgbaston two days later.

And while he has spoken about how the team must tune in to key moments, he will still allow himself some fun with Edgbaston’s famous Hollies Stand.

“I always interact, we are there to have fun, so why not?

“They are all there to have fun too, so if I focus on the ball when it is coming, I’ll interact with the Hollies.

KP Snacks are funding 100 new community cricket pitches over the next three years. To find out more and search for a pitch visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder