Match Preview: Essex Eagles v Hampshire & Hampshire v Glamorgan - Vitality Blast

A crucial first victory of the Vitality Blast campaign on Friday saw Hampshire pick up some much-needed momentum heading into a bumper week of T20 action, starting this Thursday with a trip to Chelmsford to face Essex Eagles followed by a return to the The Ageas Bowl to take on Glamorgan on Friday.

Hampshire Squad:

An unchanged 14-man squad has been named for both fixtures.

A middle-order blitz from Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Lewis McManus and Chris Morris helped see James Vince’s side safely home in a dramatic final-over thriller against Somerset last week to earn two valuable points.

Dawson is the Club’s leading run-scorer in the competition so far - his knock of 47* proving instrumental at Taunton – whilst the all-rounder has also made key contributions with the ball, boasting the best economy of any Hampshire bowler.

Chris Wood became Hampshire’s all-time leading wicket-taker last week and the left-armer continues to be an important component of the bowling attack alongside Kyle Abbott, Chris Morris and Mason Crane.

The Opposition:

Essex Eagles

With one win and a no result from their first four fixtures, Essex Eagles have begun this year’s Vitality Blast in reasonable form without picking up as many early wins as they would have liked.

A strong Kent Spitfires side and the rain thwarted their chances of grabbing a second victory last week but there have been plenty of encouraging signs for Ryan ten Doeschate’s side, including the form of the skipper himself.

Two fifties in his three innings so far represent an excellent start to the tournament for the Eagles’ captain, and both he and Cameron Delport, who struck an incredible 129 from just 49 balls in their curtain-raiser against Surrey, will be key in-form dangers to contend with in the top order.

Matthew Quinn has been Essex’s stand-out with the ball, picking up six wickets at an average of just 15.67 from his 10 overs so far. He’ll expect to be well-supported by overseas Adam Zampa, off-spinner Simon Harmer and the experienced Ravi Bopara when they take to the field on Thursday.

Glamorgan

Glamorgan have had a difficult start to their Vitality Blast campaign, suffering three defeats in their first four fixtures to begin this summer’s competition. The Welsh side sit in last position in the South Group at this early stage, but will be looking to secure an important first win when they head to the The Ageas Bowl.

Destructive batsman and skipper Colin Ingram is always integral to their chances of a positive result, and although he’s had a quiet start this year, his 430 runs at an average of better than 53 in 2018 show why he’s the visitors’ biggest threat with bat in hand.

Merchant de Lange has been impressive with the ball so far this year, picking up five wickets at just 16.40 apiece, whilst Andrew Salter’s five scalps have come at a less than 15 each – both bowlers will be looking to add to their tally further on Friday. 

Full Hampshire Squad:

Coverage:

Live ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights will be available via the Hampshire Cricket App and at ageasbowl.com/cricket.

There will be ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Radio Solent online at bbc.co.uk

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for the The Ageas Bowl:  http://ow.ly/ZWR230pg657

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for Chelmsford:  http://ow.ly/crRm30pg66t

Tickets:

Tickets for Friday’s match-up against Glamorgan at the The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online via the link below, via the Hampshire Cricket App, over the phone on 023 80472002 (option 1), or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.

Tickets for Thursday’s match against Essex Eagles at Chelmsford can be purchased online via the Essex website: https://essexcricket.org.uk