Match Preview: Somerset v Hampshire - Specsavers County Championship

After a difficult defeat against Essex at Chelmsford last week, Hampshire look to bounce back with a strong performance against Division One leaders Somerset at Taunton, starting on Sunday.

Sam Northeast’s side sit in third place at the half-way stage having claimed three victories from the seven contests so far this season, and with the gap to leaders Somerset now just 27 points, a victory could prove pivotal in the race for the County Championship title.

Hampshire Squad:

A 13-man squad has been named for the trip to Somerset, with Ian Holland and Oli Soames both featuring alongside the final XI that lined-up against Essex.

Kyle Abbott’s four wickets in the hosts’ innings was the highlight at Chelmsford, helping to take his tally for the season to 29 at just 15.79 apiece - an average second only to Lewis Gregory among bowlers in Division One who have bowled more than 55 overs. The seamer also has fond memories against Somerset, picking up 11 wickets last time out against Tom Abell’s side, and he will have his sights set on adding further scalps to his season total at Taunton.

James Vince and Liam Dawson remain unavailable for selection due to their international commitments with England.

The Opposition:

Somerset have been formidable to begin the 2019 season in both white and red ball competitions, going unbeaten to begin their campaign before falling to their first four-day defeat against Essex at Chelmsford last week.

Despite no player averaging 40 or more with the bat so far this term, the Somerset bowling attack has impressed hugely with the versatile Lewis Gregory leading the line with 40 wickets in just six matches.

Gregory been well-supported by seam trio Craig Overton, Jack Brooks and Tim Groenewald who have all fired with ball in hand, the quartet claiming 61 wickets between them so far. Jack Leach has also chipped in effectively as the side’s frontline spinner, picking up 18 wickets at an average of 18.17.

Full Hampshire Squad:

Coverage:

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 Taunton: http://ow.ly/RDmb30p1VJF

Tickets:

Tickets for all four days of Hampshire’s match against Somerset at Taunton can be purchased online via the Somerset website: https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/