Match Details
The South Group match of the T20 Blast, 2020 will be played between Surrey and Essex at the Kennington Oval in London.
The match starts at 2:00 PM local time (6:30 PM IST) (1:00 PM UTC) and can be streamed live on FanCode.
Preview
After suffering two losses at the hands of Essex last year, Surrey will be keen to improve their record against the defending champions. Moreover, in those two matches, Essex beat Surrey by comprehensive margins. However, it is noteworthy that Surrey had won the three encounters before 2019.
Both teams have been in a magnificent touch of late. Surrey has won three of its last five matches while Essex has not suffered a single loss in the previous five games. This match promises to be a clash between equals.
Weather Report
There will be broken clouds in the sky during the match time. The temperature is expected to be around 15 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Report
The fast bowlers have enjoyed much success at the Kennington Oval. The batsmen need to take some time before playing the big shots.
Average 1st innings score: 156 (Last five matches considered)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 3, Tied – 0
Injury & Availability News
(Will be added when there is an update)
Probable Playing XIs
Surrey:
Mark Stoneman, Laurie Evans, Will Jacks, Jamie Smith, Ben Foakes, Scott Borthwick, Rory Burns, Gareth Batty (C), Matt Dunn, Daniel Moriarty, James Taylor.
Bench: Amar Virdi, Gus Atkinson.
Essex:
Dan Lawrence, Adam Wheater (wk), Varun Chopra, Tom Westley, Paul Walter, Ryan ten Doeschate, Cameron Delport, Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Matthew Quinn, Aaron Beard.
Bench: Michael Pepper, Jack Plom, Ben Allison, Jamie Porter, Sam Cook, Aron Nijjar.
Top Picks
Ryan ten Doeschate will be the top pick from Essex. The Dutch all-rounder has scored 55 runs at this venue in one match. His strike rate was 125 and he can play a good innings against Surrey again.
Another Essex player who has a great record in London is Tom Westley. During the last match between Essex and Surrey at this venue, Westley scored 30 runs at a strike rate of 125.
Captain Gareth Batty has been a consistent performer for Surrey on this ground. He has picked up six wickets in six games, while his economy rate has been 6.60.
Captain and Vice-Captain Options
Captain Options – Ryan ten Doeschate, Gareth Batty
Vice-Captain Options – Tom Westley, Daniel Moriarty
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Ben Foakes
Batsmen – Rory Burns, William Jacks, Varun Chopra, Tom Westley, Paul Walter
All-Rounders – Ryan ten Doeschate (c), Cameron Delport
Bowlers – Gareth Batty, Daniel Moriarty (vc), Matthew Quinn
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Adam Wheater
Batsmen – Rory Burns, Laurie Evans, Tom Westley (vc), Paul Walter
All-Rounders – Ryan ten Doeschate, Dan Lawrence, Cameron Delport
Bowlers – Gareth Batty (c), Daniel Moriarty, Shane Snater
Expert Advice
Daniel Moriarty bowled a decent spell of 1/15 against Sussex in the last match before the game was abandoned. The pitch will support the fast bowlers in London, which means Daniel could make a big impact. It is advisable to pick him in the team.
Probable Winners
Essex is expected to win this match.
