Preview:
In the first return fixture of Group 2 in the 2021 County Championship, Somerset will host Middlesex on Thursday. Somerset have won two games and lost one so far. They defeated Middlesex by four wickets while chasing 285 in the first game, before they lost against Gloucestershire. However, they bounced back strongly and defeated Leicestershire convincingly. They are currently placed third in the Group 2 table.
Meanwhile, Middlesex have lost two and won one game so far. They lost their first two games against Somerset and Hampshire before they recorded a thumping 10-wicket win over Surrey. Middlesex are currently placed fourth in the Group 2 table. We can expect a thrilling encounter between these two quality sides.
Match Details:
Somerset vs Middlesex, Group 2
Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date & Time: April 29th at 3:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: ECB website and mobile app
Pitch Report:
The surface here in Taunton will assist the batsmen. Having said that, we can expect a lot of swing and seam movement as well. Batting first will be a good choice.
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Probable Playing XIs for SOM vs MID:
Somerset:
Tom Banton, Tom Lammonby, Tom Abell (c), James Hildreth, Jack Leach, George Bartlett, Steven Davies (wk), Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory, Josh Davey, Merchant De Lange
Middlesex:
Sam Robson, Max Holden, Nick Gubbins, Peter Handscomb (C), Robbie White, John Simpson (WK), Martin Andersson, Tim Murtagh, Tom Helm, Blake Cullen, Steven Finn.
Top Picks for SOM vs MID Dream11 Match :
Top Picks – Somerset
Lewis Gregory is an attractive pick, especially in the early part of a county championship season. He has contributed 93 runs with the bat and has grabbed 10 wickets with the ball as well. He has been a key contributor for Somerset in this tournament so far.
Tom Abell, the skipper of Somerset, will be a top captaincy pick. Arguably one of the best batsmen of Somerset, Abell has scored 243 runs in this tournament so far. He can bowl some overs as well.
Top Picks – Middlesex
Sam Robson is at the top of the run-scoring charts for Middlesex in this tournament. He has mustered 317 runs at an average of 63.40. Moreover, he smashed 165 against Somerset and is coming into this game on the back of 95 against Surrey. He will be the top captaincy choice.
Tim Murtagh has been a consistent performer for Middlesex. He picks wickets in bunch and is a reliable player with the ball. Murtagh has scalped 11 wickets in two encounters.
SOM vs MID Must Picks for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
| Players | Statistics |
| Lewis Gregory | 93 runs + 10 wickets (last 3 matches) |
| Sam Robson | 317 runs (last 3 matches) |
| Tom Abell | 243 runs (last 3 matches) |
| Craig Overton | 99 runs + 17 wickets (last 3 matches) |
| Tim Murtagh | 11 wickets (last 2 matches) |
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Suggested Playing XI No.1 for SOM vs MID Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Steve Davies, Sam Robson, Nick Gubbins, Tom Abell (vc), Robbie White, George Bartlett, Lewis Gregory (c), Craig Overton, Steven Finn, Tim Murtagh, Jack Leach
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for SOM vs MID Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Tom Banton, Sam Robson, Nick Gubbins, Tom Abell, Martin Andersson, Lewis Gregory, Craig Overton (c), Merchant de Lange, Tim Murtagh (vc), Jack Leach, Josh Davey
SOM vs MID Risky Captaincy Choices:
Jack Leach has managed to grabbed 9 wickets in the last 3 matches. He is a great bowler and can produce commanding performance if he gets going. He can be a risky captaincy choice.
Craig Overton has already taken 17 wickets in 3 matches and has also scored 99 runs with the bat. He is definitely worth taking a risk for the captaincy slot.
Player you should avoid:
Opener Max Holden is not looking in good touch at the moment and has managed to score only 31 runs in the last 3 matches for Middlesex. Considering his current form, you can avoid while making your Dream11 fantasy teams.
