Match Preview: Somerset v Hampshire - Vitality Blast

James Vince’s side will be looking to post some positive performances with three big matches coming up this week, the first of which sees them take on Somerset at the The Ageas Bowl on Wednesday.

Hampshire Squad:

South Africa seamer Dale Steyn returns to the The Ageas Bowl following his time with the national side in Sri Lanka and is in line to make his Hampshire T20 debut against Somerset after being named in a 15-man squad.

Chris Wood, Liam Dawson and James Vince will be looking to pick up from where they left off when both sides faced each other last week at Taunton, with Wood claiming his maiden T20 five-wicket haul with an excellent performance with the ball, whilst Liam Dawson, who record an 82-run partnership with Vince (74), who also batted beautifully, produced a career-best knock of 82.

The Opposition:

Somerset qualified for the knockout stages for the first time since the competition was split into two groups last season, and the visitors will be hoping to go one better and reach finals day as they go in search of their first title since 2005.

Lewis Gregory’s side currently sit top of the South Group with seven wins from their 10 contests so far and have impressed throughout the campaign. The destructive Corey Anderson has proved to be an excellent addition again this year, topping the list of Somerset run-getters at an average of 47.83 in nine innings, whilst Jamie Overton has claimed 12 victims with the ball so far this summer.

Did You Know?

• Liam Dawson averages an impressive 20.57 with the ball and 53.66 with the bat in T20 matches against Somerset.
• Hampshire batsman Tom Alsop’s highest T20 score of his career was against Somerset, as his 85 helped Hampshire to an 83-run victory in last season’s competition.
• Hampshire have won four of the last six T20 matches against Somerset at the The Ageas Bowl

Full Hampshire Squad

Coverage

Hampshire Cricket’s social media channels will provide updates throughout both match. Ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights can be found at ageasbowl.com/cricket.

BBC Radio Solent also offers ball-by-ball commentary online at bbc.co.uk.

Wednesday’s match will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket.

Weather Forecast:

Follow the link for the latest weather forecast for the The Ageas Bowl: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcp185f25

Tickets:

Tickets for Wednesday’s match against Somerset and Hampshire’s other Vitality Blast matches at The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online via the link below, over the phone 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.