Foster says Essex are ready to topple the reigning champions

Opponents Kent have made a less than emphatic journey to the Rose Bowl, finishing only third in their group before easing past last-eight opponents Warwickshire. But as defending champions, though, they are likely to be back in their element.

"We're coming up against a very good Kent team who are strong in all areas," said Foster. "It will come down to individuals putting in those big performances and out-performing one another on the day.

"It's going to be a huge occasion. We were in the semis two years ago and lost to Leicestershire. But I think we are a stronger team now and I believe we know our games a lot better."

This year it is not 'just' a semi-final because of all the other big-money matches which could follow.

"I guess there is a bit more pressure but, as cricketers you want to play in pressure matches," said Foster. "We are not too fazed about the money side of things. It's a waste of time thinking about it until you're there."

One man, Graham Napier, has overshadowed everyone else so far this Twenty20 season - and Foster is delighted to have him as a colleague.

But the keeper, who should by now have played more than seven Tests and 11 one-day internationals for England, has been no slouch himself, with a batting average over 40.

"I've worked hard on my one-day skills," said the 28-year-old. "I've really enjoyed having to take calculated risks from the moment you get out there in Twenty20. I feel I've got boundary options and the confidence to go for them."

Talking of boundaries leads nicely to Napier, the man with the golden bat. He hit a world-record 16 sixes during an astonishing 58-ball innings of 152 against Sussex to not only alert Indian Premier League recruiters but also announce himself as candidate for November's £10milion match between England and the West Indies All Stars.

"His performances this season have been phenomenal," said Foster. "He's got immense power, but then he's always had that. When we were playing as eight and nine-year-olds with Essex youngsters he could hit the ball out of the park."

There is more than one way to make hay in Twenty20 cricket, however, and Kent's England prospect Joe Denly is a perhaps less obvious success story.

"When I started last season I don't think a lot of people would have thought my type of game would be suited to Twenty20, but I've worked hard at it and it's been paying off," said the 22-year-old who has scored 384 runs in 11 innings.