Michael Klinger is back to lead Gloucestershire into their Vitality Blast campaign, starting at Taunton on Friday evening.

And that fact, along with the fiercest competition for places he has known this season, gives head coach Richard Dawson good cause for optimism ahead of the opening group match against Somerset.

Pace bowlers Liam Norwell and David Payne are both fit, having missed almost all of the season so far. So, even though overseas signing Andrew Tye misses the first two group games, Dawson has a series of selection dilemmas.

He said: “We have two players competing for virtually every position, which is a luxury we have not had for a long time.

“Our preparations have gone well and, having Maxy (Klinger) around gives everyone a boost. He is not only a very good player, but a great bloke to have in the dressing room.”

Klinger remains among the top T20 batsmen in world cricket. He averages 36.21 in 161 innings in the shortest format, represented Australia in three internationals last year and is just three short of 5,000 T20 runs.

The popular Aussie celebrates his 38th birthday today (Weds) and is as hungry as ever to inspire Gloucestershire to another trophy, having helped them lift the Royal London Cup in 2015.

Dawson knows his team will face a cauldron atmosphere at Taunton, but takes heart from the excellent 50-over performance there this summer when only torrential rain prevented them winning.

“We know it will be a really good batting pitch and probably a high-scoring game,” he said. “The fast outfield rewards proper shot-making, so we need to be positive without being reckless.

“The bowlers need to keep cool heads under pressure. That is an essential when playing at Taunton.

"We have had an excellent preparation and everyone in the squad had an opportunity to press claims for a place in the side.

“It will make choosing an 11 very difficult. But that's the sort of problem we want to have and it will be an interesting selection meeting.”

Gloucestershire lost their last four games in the South Group last season to finish bottom after a promising start. Dawson is hopeful of a better showing this time around.

“Our batting improved in the Royal London Cup this season and that is something to build on,” he said.

“It is important to make a good start in all the one-day competitions. But, with 14 group games to play, there will be highs and lows along the way and consistency will be the key.”

Benny Howell goes into the game boosted by a century in the warm-up match against a West of England Premier League Select XI at Clifton College last Friday and his wily bowling skills will again be a key weapon in Gloucestershire's armoury.