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 LV= Insurance County Championship...
Fixture: Gloucestershire v Somerset
Venue: County Ground, Bristol
Dates: Thursday, May 20, 2021 - Sunday, May 23, 2021
Start time: 11am
What's the lowdown?
Gloucestershire currently lead Group Two with 95 points and a game in hand on second place Somerset who sit just four points behind them, giving them an opportunity to put genuine daylight between them and this week's opponents.
With five games played, Gloucestershire have four wins and a draw against Hampshire, giving them an unbeaten record making them unbeaten so far mid-way through their campaign
Somerset’s only defeat of the campaign came at home to this week's opponents. Since the loss, they won three in a row before drawing against Surrey after three of the four days were lost to rain.
Who's in form?
James Bracey continues to catch the attention having struck 478 runs in 10 inns to spearhead the Gloucestershire batting charge. Chris Dent and Tom Lace have meanwhile provided able backup.
Craig Overton was rested against Surrey but has arguably been the standout performer in the Championship this season. Josh Davey and Lewis Gregory have chimed in with a five-for each to bulk out the bowling but without a century in any of their six matches, it is clear where Somerset need to improve.
Last five first-class matches (most recent first)
Gloucestershire: WWDWW
Somerset: DWWWL
Head-to-head first-class record
Total matches: 203
Gloucestershire wins: 74
Somerset wins: 58
Draws: 71
Abandoned: 3
What's the team news?
Gloucestershire: Gloucestershire make one change to their squad as they look to continue their best start to a red-ball season since 1877. Miles Hammond comes in with George Hankins making way. James Bracey was selected in England's 15-strong squad for the New Zealand Test Series, but he remains available.
Squad: Chris Dent (c), Kraigg Brathwaite, James Bracey (wk), Tom Lace, Ryan Higgins, Ian Cockbain, Miles Hammond, Tom Smith, Josh Shaw, Daniel Worrall, Dominic Goodman, Matt Taylor, David Payne and George Scott
Somerset: Jack Leach returns to the squad after being rested against Surrey in the last round. Steven Davies has recovered from his minor operation and is fit to play, replacing Tom Banton as Somerset's wicketkeeper. Jack Brooks is the other player to miss out.
Squad: Tom Abell (c), George Bartlett, Eddie Byrom, Josh Davey, Steve Davies (wk), Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton and Roelof van der Merwe.
Latest Gloucestershire news: Click here
Latest Somerset news: Click here
Who's said what?
After being selected in an England squad for the first time following spells as a reserve, James Bracey insists his international recognition will not distract him from his club duties.
He said: "Everything around that game is shouting at it being a tough game, obviously crowds back in as well, local derby, two sides that are top of the group, it's a big game for us and our season and hopefully we can deliver another win and keep everybody happy.
"My mind is on that for now, but I'm obviously delighted with the news."
Having been upset by their local rivals earlier in the season, Somerset head coach is primed for the task of facing the Group Two leaders.
“Gloucestershire have played some really good cricket this year," he said.
"They beat us here recently and we’re still hurting from that because that was the first home game that we’ve lost for a long time. We need to go there and play our best cricket. We’re a very process-driven side and we concentrate on executing our skills to the best of our abilities.
“A local derby is always a great game to play in and the fact that it’s a top of a table clash adds a little fuel to the fire.”
What's the weather forecast?
Light showers and a fresh breeze for days one and two with gusty winds and showers are predicted for Friday. Sunday is dry with sunny intervals and a moderate breeze, highs of 14 degrees Celsius over all four days.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Bristol: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Gloucestershire 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: Concession - £15, Adult - £20, Under 18 - £5 - click here for details
Travel
Address: The Brightside Ground, Bristol BS7 9EJ
Car Parking: Unless you have already purchased a 2021 parking permit, are a blue badge holder or are a Premier Club Member, match day parking at the Bristol County Ground will not be available for this match.
If you do have a 2021 parking permit and/or blue badge, Premier Club Membership, then please access the ground via the Grace gates on Nevil Road. You will be required to present one of the three at the entrance.
By Train: The nearest train station to The Bristol County Ground is Montpelier, which is approximately one mile from the club and is connected with other modes of public transport. The station has direct lines through to Bristol Temple Meads and a regular schedule to Bristol Parkway.
By Bus: The Bristol County Ground is easily accessible by bus with services 17, 70/71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2 all running within a five-minute walk of the main entrance. Use stops on the nearby Gloucester Road for Services 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2, Muller Road for Service 17 and Ashley Down Road for Service 70. All buses operate at regular intervals throughout the day.
Prediction?
Gloucestershire have had a week off to rest after two consecutive wins while Somerset sat around Taunton watching the rainfall. Expect the visitors to bounce back from defeat in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
OTHER ROUND SEVEN PREVIEWS
Group 1
Nottinghamshire v Worcestershire
Group 2
Group 3
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