Match Preview: Somerset v Hampshire - Vitality Blast

Hampshire will be aiming to bounce-back from two difficult results to begin the Vitality Blast campaign as they go in search of a much-needed victory against Somerset at Taunton on Friday

Hampshire Squad:

An unchanged 14-man squad has been named for Friday’s trip to Taunton.

Rilee Rossouw heads into the match fresh off his first half-century of the competition on Wednesday night against Sussex Sharks and the left-hander will again be looking to make his mark at the top of the order. Chris Wood became Hampshire’s all-time leading wicket-taker after picking up two wickets at Hove – the left-armer will be an important component of the bowling attack as James Vince’s side aim to seal a first win tomorrow.

The Opposition:

After a successful 2018 Vitality Blast competition – one which saw them finish top of the South Group and reach Finals Day before falling to defeat against eventual runners-up Sussex Sharks – Somerset have begun this summer’s edition in reasonable form, with one win and a loss from their opening two contests seeing them occupy sixth position.

The hosts possess a squad offering dangers with both bat and ball. Attacking overseas batsman Babar Azam bolsters the side this season, joining Tom Abell, James Hildreth, Peter Trego and Roelof van der Merwe as key threats in the top and middle order. Van der Merwe, white-ball specialist Max Waller, sharp paceman Jamie Overton, and reliable seamer Tim Groenewald among others join overseas bowler Jerome Taylor in a varied bowling line-up. 

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 Taunton: http://ow.ly/BPuY30pd6G9

Tickets:

Tickets for Friday’s match against Somerset at Taunton can be purchased online via the Somerset website: www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/