By Richard Dore

Up and running: Ian Bell got off the mark with a fine knock for Birmingham Bears on Wednesday but today comes up against big-hitting Kiwi Martin Guptill, left

AFTER a compelling start, the T20 Blast explodes into full life today with a bumper schedule of fixtures that sees eight North Group teams in action.
This year’s Blast began on Wednesday with Leicestershire Foxes beating Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Birmingham Bears making a big statement by dismantling Notts Outlaws in their own back yard.
Ian Bell’s classy 82 not out grabbed ...