Match Details:
The Central Group match of the T20 Blast 2020 is all set to be played between Birmingham Bears and Gloucestershire at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
This match is scheduled to start at 6:35 PM Local Time (11:05 PM IST). It will be streamed live on FanCode.
Preview:
After defeating Worcestershire by 22 runs in their last match, Gloucestershire will look to carry forward the winning momentum and record a win over the Bears. Warwickshire defeated Glamorgan in their second game. However, they suffered a 38-runs loss at the hands of Northamptonshire in their previous outing.
The Bears have a magnificent head-to-head record against Gloucestershire. In their last five meetings, Bears have overcome their rivals four times. Notably, one of the last five matches got abandoned, meaning that Gloucestershire has not defeated the Bears since 2009.
Weather Report
There is a high possibility of rain in Birmingham. The fans may get another washout or the overs might be reduced. The temperature is expected to be 14 degrees Celsius.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The pitch is best suited for the pacers. Overall, the nature of the wicket is balanced, but the rainy conditions might make it difficult for the batsmen to hit boundaries.
Average first innings score: 158 (Last five completed matches considered)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 2
Injury and Availability News:
(Will be updated when available)
Probable Playing XIs:
Warwickshire: Dom Sibley, Ian Bell, Adam Hose, Sam Hain, Will Rhodes (C), Michael Burgess(WK), Tim Bresnan, Olly Stone, Jeetan Patel, Henry Brookes, Jacob Lintott
Bench: Liam Norwell, Ed Pollock, Dan Mousley
Gloucestershire: James Bracey (WK), Ian Cockbain, Chris Dent, George Hankins, Ryan Higgins, Josh Shaw, Jack Taylor (C), Graeme van Buuren, Matt Taylor, Tom Smith, David Payne
Bench: Ben Charlesworth, Miles Hammond, George Scott
Top Picks:
Chris Dent hit a brilliant half-ton against Worcestershire the other day. He scored 60 runs from 33 runs, an innings that included 8 fours and a six.
David Payne returned with figures of 3/32 in the last match. He dismissed Rutherford in the powerplay and then scalped two more wickets in the death.
Sam Hain has been the most successful batsman at this venue. In the seven T20s he has played in Birmingham, Hain has scored runs at an average of 43.1.
Jeetan Patel has scalped seven wickets in seven matches at Edgbaston. His economy rate has been 5.88, making him a top pick for this contest.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Chris Dent, Sam Hain
Vice-Captain Options – David Payne, Jeetan Patel
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – James Bracey
Batters – Sam Hain, Adam Hose, Chris Dent (C)
All-Rounders – Will Rhodes, Tim Bresnan, Graeme van Buuren, Ryan Higgins
Bowlers – Jeetan Patel (VC), David Payne, Jacob Lintott
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Michael Burgess
Batters – Sam Hain (C), Adam Hose, Chris Dent, Ian Bell, James Taylor
All-Rounders – Tim Bresnan, Ryan Higgins
Bowlers – Jeetan Patel, David Payne (VC), Tom Smith
Expert Advice:
Captain James Taylor played a superb cameo of 16-ball 27 against Worcestershire. He can score many points with the bat if he plays a few more balls. It is advisable to pick him in the team.
Probable Winners:
Birmingham Bears is expected to win this match.
