Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast, form, prediction and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the Vitality Blast...
Fixture: Somerset v Glamorgan
Venue: Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date: Saturday, June 19, 2021
Start time: 7pm
What’s the lowdown?
Both teams have endured a turbulent start to this Blast campaign, showing signs of brilliance, yet struggling to convert those performances into victories. Somerset were beaten in the opening round by Essex Eagles, who have lost three in a row since, and were then comprehensively turned over by Surrey. The London team chased 188 in 16 overs for the loss of three wickets.
Following that run, they welcomed the undefeated Spitfires to Taunton and promptly dispatched them, but the home side has yet to hit top form.
Glamorgan have been steady and consistent in 2021, but they’ve struggled to get over the line in a couple of their games. In the opening round, they narrowly lost to Gloucestershire by four runs, before following it up with a comfortable victory over Essex.
However, the very next day they too felt the wrath of Surrey as they fell to a five-wicket defeat at the Kia Oval. With their inconsistent form already an issue, they welcomed the Spitfires to Sophia Gardens, where they collapsed to 104 all out, the first instance in which they were truly outplayed. But with the star quality they possess, they have a strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Who’s in form?
Tom Abell continues to shine in his role in the middle order. He has been explosive this summer but requires support from those around him. Tom Banton is the young shining light of English cricket, however, is yet to show his best form. Marchant de Lange has taken the lead with the ball, in the absence of fellow countryman Roelof van der Merwe.
Marnus Labuschagne has been in scintillating touch with bat and ball. He has become a complete cricketer in this format, taking wickets and scoring runs for fun. Add to that his natural leadership skills and dynamite fielding, and he is developing into one of the best players in the world. Dan Douthwaite is an increasingly impressive young performer and has shown his capabilities with bat in hand and at crucial times with the ball.
What’s the team news?
Somerset are still without Roelof van der Merwe who has a side strain.
Somerset squad: Lewis Gregory, Tom Abell, Tom Banton, Eddie Byrom, Josh Davey, Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Will Smeed, Max Waller
Glamorgan name the same squad as selected for their previous two fixtures.
Glamorgan squad: Chris Cooke, Kiran Carlson, Dan Douthwaite, Colin Ingram, Marnus Labuschagne, David Lloyd, Michael Neser, Andrew Salter, Nick Selman, Prem Sisodiya, Ruaidhri Smith, Callum Taylor, Tim Van der Gugten, James Weighell
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Somerset: WLLLW
Glamorgan: WWWLW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 32
Somerset wins: 19
Glamorgan wins: 11
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 4
No result: 2
What’s the weather forecast?
It’s scheduled to be a clear day in Somerset. There is a chance of rain at 7pm, when the match is due to start though it should blow over quickly and a full game is likely.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Taunton: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Only members who have been successful in the ballot will be permitted entry for this match.
Click here to access the Somerset box office.
Travel
Full address: County Ground Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, TA1 1JT
By car: At Junction 25, take the A358 Exit to Taunton/ Yeovil. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit (south) or 3rd exit (north) onto the A358 heading to Taunton/ A38/ Minehead, continuing straight onto Toneway/ A358. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Priory Avenue and the Cooper Associates County Ground will be on your left.
By train: Taunton Train Station is a 10-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left into Station Road, heading towards the town centre. Turn left onto Priory Bridge Road, and the ground will be on your right.
By bus: Taunton Bus Station is a five-minute walk from the ground. As you leave the station, turn left onto Castle Green. Turn left at Fat Face and walk down to Debenhams before turning right into St James Street and the ground will appear on your left.
Park & Ride: Taunton operate two park and ride services from either the Silk Mills (West – TA1 5AA) or Junction 25 (East – TA3 5LU) sites. Please check their opening hours ahead of your visit by clicking here.
How do I follow the match?
Sky Sports are showing live coverage of the game from 7pm via their dedicated cricket channel (Sky 404).
Somerset will offer live coverage of the match via their website: Click here
All T20 Blast matches are also available via the ECB's central hub: Click here
The matches can also be viewed on mobile via the ECB app.
Radio: All Vitality Blast fixtures will be available on BBC Local Radio stations with extensive coverage also on 5 Live Sports Extra.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and updates from every Vitality Blast match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Prediction?
It’s a tough one to call, with both sides showing great promise. However, Somerset appear to have found their stride and have home advantage. Somerset win.
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