Match Details:
The upcoming match of the T20 Blast 2020 is all set to be played between Somerset and Worcestershire at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.
This match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM Local Time (11:00 PM IST) and may be viewed on Fan Code app(subject to availability).
Preview:
Somerset will be taking on Worcestershire on 11th September which is going to be their second meeting this season. Somerset has done decently up till now in the tournament with 2 wins in 5 games and are placed at the third spot in the Central Group.
Worcestershire, on the other hand, have had a horrible season with 4 losses in 5 games and are yet to register their first win. It is a crucial game for both the teams. Their first meeting was a high scoring encounter and a similar run fest is likely to occur this time around as well.
Weather Report
11th September in Taunton is expected to have light breeze and slight cloud coverage with a temperature range of 11-17 degree Celsius through the day. Not more than 3% precipitation is expected around game time.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The track at The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton has been a dream wicket for batsmen. While this season teams haven’t scored as big in this venue, last season a number of 200+ totals were made. The venue is one of the highest scoring grounds in the World in T20s and if a few players get going, it could lead to an absolute carnage.
Average first innings score: 189 (Last five completed matches played at this venue)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 3; Lost – 2; Tie – 0
Injury and Availability News:
James Hildreth has been ruled out for Somerset due to hamstring injury.
Josh Tongue unavailable for Worcestershire due to back spasm.
Probable Playing XIs:
Somerset:
Babar Azam, Steven Davies(wk), George Bartlett, Tom Abell, Edward Byrom, Lewis Gregory(c), Tom Lammonby, Roelof van der Merwe, Josh Davey, Ollie Sale, Max Waller
Bench: Craig Overton, Ben Green, Lewis Goldsworthy, Will Smeed
Worcestershire:
Hamish Rutherford, Riki Wessels, Jack Haynes, Jake Libby, Brett DOliveira, Ben Cox(wk), Ross Whitely, Ed Barnard(c), Daryl Mitchell, Pat Brown, Adam Finch
Bench: Tom Fell, Charlie Morris, Ben Twohig
Top Picks:
Babar Azam, currently one of the finest batsmen in World Cricket, was the top scorer of the Blast last year where, playing for Somerset, in his debut season, scored 578 runs at an average in excess of 52 and strike rate of 149.35. He has played 2 matches up till now for Somerset this season and is yet to perform to the best of his abilities. But a brilliant player like Azam can’t be contained for long and this could be the match he unleashes himself and scores big.
Jake Libby has been the only positive for Worcestershire in an otherwise mediocre season. The middle order batsman has scored 148 runs in 4 innings at an average of 48 and strike rate of 139.8. The last time these two teams he scored an impressive 75 and could be a star performer once again.
Roelof van der Merwe, the T20 veteran has been in fine form this season with the bat and has scored 91 vital runs coming in the last few overs and has been striking the ball at an impressive strike rate of 190. While he hasn’t picked up any wicket with the ball, he has done a good job of keeping the batsmen quiet. His experience and all-round skills make him a top pick.
Hamish Rutherford may have just 56 runs in 4 innings this season but he has been striking the ball as well as anybody. He has scored at a strike rate of 157 and has given away a couple of starts. On the belter of a track at Taunton, Rutherford could be in for a big one.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Babar Azam, Jake Libby
Vice-Captain Options – Roelof van der Merwe, Hamish Rutherford
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Steve Davies
Batters – Babar Azam(c), Hamish Rutherford, Jack Haynes, Tom Abell, Riki Wessels
All-Rounders – Jake Libby, Roelof van der Merwe(vc)
Bowlers – Pat Brown, Ed Barnard, Josh Davey
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Steve Davies
Batters – Babar Azam, Hamish Rutherford(vc), Jack Haynes, Tom Abell, Riki Wessels
All-Rounders – Jake Libby(c), Roelof van der Merwe
Bowlers – Pat Brown, Ollie Sale, Josh Davey
Expert Advice:
Tom Lammonby recently scored a century in the Bob Willis Trophy against Worcestershire and his form could come handy in this match as well. Watch out for Pat Brown who had been Somerset’s highest wicket taker in the last two seasons.
Probable Winners:
Somerset is expected to win this match.
