Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Gloucestershire and Somerset at the County Ground in Bristol.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT).

This game will be streamed live by Gloucestershire County Cricket Club on YouTube.

Preview:

A mid-table battle will be seen when Gloucestershire hosts Somerset at the County Ground in Bristol on Friday. Gloucestershire is placed 4th in the South Group as they won four out of the ten matches but earned four points by virtue of three washed out matches and a Tie. They have won three out of their last four completed matches and will look to continue that momentum.

On the other hand, the Somerset achieved a hat-trick of wins prior to the County break. Despite Babar Azam and Tom Banton’s exploits at the top, the Somerset team struggle to win matches. They won only two of their six matches and lost in remaining four. They are currently at No.5 with 11 points from ten matches. They have got a game more than their competitors from here on.

Weather Condition/Report:

The temperatures are expected to stay high on Friday compared to that of Thursday. The weather is expected to be clear throughout the day. The rain doesn’t seem to be a threat going by the weather forecast.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The recent matches in the T20 Blast played at the County Ground in Bristol has been on the slower side. They have produced low total this season but the case has been different during the Kia Super League. Anything over 150 can be expected to be chased down during this match considering the result of the recent KSL game.

Average first innings score: 161 (Unaffected T20 matches since 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 2

Injury and Availability News (Team News)

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Somerset:

Babar Azam, Tom Banton, Tom Abell (C), James Hildreth, Eddie Byrom, Tom Lammonby, Roelof van der Merwe, Jerome Taylor, Max Waller, Craig Overton, Tim Groenewald.

Bench: George Bartlett, Ollie Sale, Jamie Overton.

Gloucestershire:

Michael Klinger (C), Miles Hammond, Ian Cockbain, James Bracey (WK), Ryan Higgins, Jack Taylor, Andrew Tye, Tom Smith, Chris Liddle, Zak Chappell, David Payne.

Bench: Chris Dent, Graeme van Buuren.

Top Picks:

Babar Azam and Tom Banton continue to be the top pick yet again. The duo is performing consistently every two and one of them take the charge to bat long enough.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Benny Howell, Babar Azam, Tom Banton,

Vice-Captain Options – Tom Abell, Ian Cockbain, James Bracey

James Bracey has had a couple of good performances with the bat in the recent games. He will be a good choice as a vice-captain.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tom Banton (C), James Bracey (VC)

Batters – Babar Azam, Michael Hammond, Tom Abell, Ian Cockbain

All-Rounders – Ryan Higgins

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Andrew Tye, Craig Overton, Chris Liddle

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tom Banton, James Bracey

Batters – Babar Azam (C),  M Hammond, Tom Abell, Ian Cockbain (VC)

All-Rounders – Ryan Higgins

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Craig Overton, David Payne, Chris Liddle

Expert Advice:

Both the keepers Tom Banton and James Bracey are a must in the fantasy team due to their recent form with the bat.

Probable Winners:

Somerset will be the firm favourites to win this game of cricket.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.