Delray Rawlins had enough time stuck at home during his period of self-isolation.

But he would not say no to a home quarter-final for Sussex in the Vitality Blast as they look for a big finish in the weather-affected South Group.

Sharks face Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl tonight (7pm) and go to current leaders Kent on Sunday (6.30pm).

They are on the brink of securing a place in the last eight but a top-two finish and home quarter-final would be very welcome.

Not least when, potentially but not confirmed, there could be a bigger crowd in than the 2,500 who saw home group games.

Rawlins was one of eight players who had to self-isolate after Tom Clark tested positive for Covid-19.

He returned in some style with an undefeated 50 to cap an impressive run chase at home to Essex last Friday.

The big-hitter from Bermuda said: “It was a tough ten days watching the boys, especially the game at Middlesex where we struggled a little bit.

“It was nice to see them bounce back against Glamorgan and it’s nice to be back with the boys.

“It was literally just stay at home, lots of Playstation, Netflix, TV. It was just ten days between the sofa and bed.

“You try and look after yourself the best you can.

“I probably felt a bit undercooked, a bit rusty, but it was good to be back playing.

“Momentum is a big thing in white-ball cricket and that is what we talk about.

“We feel we have been getting that back and, with two games left, I feel we could potentially finish top of the group if results go our way.”

As Rawlins highlighted, there is always talk of momentum in T20 cricket.

But Sussex are coming to that stage of the competition when it probably counts most.

Witness the run they put together three years ago to reach the final.

Or that by Essex and Ravi Bopara in 2019, who arrived at Hove for a late-season game almost out of the competition and ended up lifting the trophy a few weeks later.

Bopara has not always fired since his move to Hove but he showed expertise in leading the chase against his old county.

That sort of composure and expertise can be precious in the games to come.

Rawlins said: “Ravi is so experienced. He has played for England and he helped me massively. He was telling me to be patient.

“If we had got a certain amount of runs off the over, maybe ten from the first three balls, just be smart and take the right options.”

Rawlins was happy to play his role as one of the matchwinners.

He added: “That is what Kirts (coach James Kirtley) asks of all of us.

“When it’s your night, put your hand up and win the game for the boys.

“Other lads have had their opportunities to win a game. I’ve been short of runs this year so it was nice to get a few and get us over the line.”

SUSSEX SPINNER JACK CARSON COULD FACE INDIA

Sussex were finalising their squad for the two games yesterday afternoon.

Rashid Khan and Phil Salt come back into the side, the former for the first time this year.

Chris Jordan has been called up for the international T20s while Tymal Mills and George Garton are also still absent.