Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, head-to-head record, weather forecast, prediction, and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the County Championship...
Fixture: Middlesex v Hampshire
Venue: Lord's, St John's Wood
Dates: Thursday, May 13, 2021 - Sunday, May 16, 2021
Start time: 11am
What's the lowdown?
Hampshire have fallen off a cliff after their sensational start, with two damaging losses in as many games. Despite each of their top-six scoring centuries inside the first three matches, they have failed to reach three figures once in both of their last two fixtures. They have fond recent memories of facing Middlesex, having bowled them out for 79 in mid-April.
Middlesex will be concerned by the sight of Mohammad Abbas marking out his run-up again; the memory of his hat-trick and 6 for 11 firmly branded into their memories. They bounced back from that loss against Surrey but have lost the last two fixtures.
Who's in form?
A few weeks ago it would be hard to pick out an individual from the Hampshire squad, but now that's a tough ask for a different reason. The deluge of runs from the opening rounds has completely dried up, and they will be looking to experienced pair Sam Northeast and James Vince to restore some normality to proceedings.
With their own issues with the bat, Middlesex will be looking to the ageless Tim Murtagh and understudy Ethan Bamber to do the damage.
Robbie White has been the standout performer for Middlesex with the bat, scoring a half-century in each of his last four outings. Convert one of those into a big, match-winning score is the natural next step.
Last five first-class matches (most recent first)
Middlesex: LLWLL
Hampshire: LLDWW
Head-to-head first-class record
Total matches: 143
Middlesex wins: 58
Hampshire wins: 28
Draws: 56
Tied: 1
Abandoned: 1
What's the team news?
Middlesex: Joe Davies replaces Max Holden in the 13-man squad, but there is no place for Luke Hollman and Steven Finn. Blake Cullen is recalled. Toby Roland-Jones is a long-term injury absentee.
Squad: Peter Handscomb (c), Martin Andersson, Ethan Bamber, Blake Cullen, Jack Davies, Nick Gubbins, James Harris, Tom Helm, Tim Murtagh, Sam Robson, John Simpson (wk), Thilan Walallawita, Robbie White
Hampshire: Hants have added to their batting resources, with loanee Cameron Steel coming into the squad. Mason Crane and Scott Currie drop out.
Squad: James Vince, Lewis McManus, Kyle Abbott, Mohammad Abbas, Tom Alsop, Joe Weatherley, Cameron Steel, Brad Wheal, Keith Barker, Sam Northeast, Liam Dawson, Felix Organ, Ian Holland
Latest Middlesex news: Click here
Latest Hampshire news: Click here
Who's said what?
Middlesex coach Stuart Law has been impressed by the reaction to the team's fourth loss of the season - but wants positive conversations to turn into improved performances.
"We've gone back to basics this week and trying to make sure that the players are understanding that if you do them better than anyone else you've got more chance of winning the game," he said.
"We have been sticking together. The chats have been outstanding; it's all talk and it is time to put them into action."
What's the weather forecast?
It’s an overcast and murky week in the capital, with a strong chance of rain across the four days. A high of 16 degrees suggests that muggy, cloudy conditions could yield some swing; not ideal for two teams struggling for runs.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Lord's: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Middlesex will offer live coverage of the match via their website: Click here
All County Championship 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: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry ball-by-ball radio commentary of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and daily updates from every County Championship match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets: This match is to be played behind closed doors owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Travel: Not applicable owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
Prediction?
Whichever side is the first to arrest their run-scoring issues might be the one to come away with the points. Middlesex win.
OTHER ROUND SIX PREVIEWS
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
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