STEVEN Croft has a double incentive to lift this year’s T20 Blast title.

Not only would it be a second success in the competition with Lancashire Lightning, following on from the 2015 success, it would also mean he would be a record breaker should he feature in all the games.

Croft has played in 143 successive T20 matches - a record stretching back to June 2006 - the third longest streak in short format history.

Should the Red Rose progress from their group and Croft feature in every game that tally would pass 150 and see him overhaul Virat Kohli (144).

And a final’s day appearance would mean his successive starts would pass Indian Suresh Raina’s record which stands at 158 for the Chennai Super Kings between 2008-2018.

Croft said: “I’ll tell the team ‘If we get to Finals Day, I’ll be a world record holder and will buy them a drink’.

“It’s a nice little milestone, and there’s some good players up there. But I’m not sure many Indians will know my name! It would be nice to get to the top of the pile.”

On his consecutive games record the 33-year-old added: “I can’t really believe it. It’s 140 odd at the minute. You don’t look to gain personal records in the game, you want to win things for the team. But it’s a nice little record, and hopefully I can add another full season to it.

“It was a relatively new tournament when I first played, and I don’t think anyone knew it would develop like it has done.

“In the meantime, they’ve set up all the leagues around the world, the IPL, the Big Bash, international cricket, I don’t think it was there when I started. It’s definitely an evolving game. We see each year the shots and fielding, they keep getting better and better.

“With the new tournament coming as well - we don’t know whether it’s going to be a T20 franchise or the Hundred, it’s a developing game, and we have to move with it.”

Croft boasts plenty of experience and as a former skipper of the side will be able to lend a hand to new captain Liam Livingstone if called upon.

“I think I have played in 14 full seasons, and it’s a developing game. Hopefully he can rely on my experience in the field and with the bat. I still feel like I’ve got a lot to give. Hopefully I’ll help Liam out in any way he needs me.”

And Croft is confident Lancashire can have a strong run in the competition, believing the squad to be in better shape than the victorious class of 2015.

“It’s probably as strong if not stronger,” he added. “Those lads now have got more experience under their belt, the likes of Liam and Alex Davies. They have got another two or three years behind them and some international games as well.

“It’s a very good squad, and we just have to turn that talent and potential into results.

“The T20 is something we’ve always had a good record at and hopefully we can emulate 2015.

“It’s a tough side to get into and a very competitive squad. We’ve seen there’s been a lot of players used and a lot gaining experience.

“We have a good blend of youth and experience. Hopefully I’ll get the nod and stay in there.”