Michael Klinger relishing Somerset double-header as Gloucestershire seek T20 Blast progress

Gloucestershire go into the first game a point ahead of Somerset, having played one more fixture in a fiercely competitive South Group. So the outcome of the derbies could go a long way to deciding which, if either, county reaches the quarter-finals

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Michael Klinger would like nothing more than to mark his final season as a Gloucestershire player with a Vitality Blast double over arch-rivals Somerset, starting at Taunton on Friday night.

The sell-out match at the Cooper Associates County Ground will be followed seven days later by the return clash at Bristol, again under floodlights, and there is even more than usual at stake.

Gloucestershire go into the first game a point ahead of Somerset, having played one more fixture in a fiercely competitive South Group. So the outcome of the derbies could go a long way to deciding which, if either, county reaches the quarter-finals.

After leading his team to a convincing victory over Hampshire at the Bristol County Ground on Tuesday night, Klinger said: "It's all set-up for two classic games against Somerset.

“We play them twice in a week and those two games will have a major influence on the final shake-up in what is a very close group.

"I always love playing against Somerset. This is going to be my last season here and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. 

"I'm particularly looking forward to Friday night. Taunton is a small ground and there will be a sell-out crowd and a great atmosphere.

"It's always noisy and we know their supporters will be giving us plenty of abuse. But then it will be the same for them when they come to our place for the return match!”

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Michael Klinger will open the batting for Gloucestershire against Somerset

Klinger points out that the two matches will feature teams with contrasting styles.

"On the face of it, they score a lot of runs and our strength is in keeping things tight and squeezing the opposition,” he said.

“But that isn't to say we don't have a big score in us and the guys are looking forward to batting on the Taunton wicket.

“We've played some pretty good cricket in the last couple of weeks and feel ready for the game. Somerset have some great players, who are in good form, but it's all about us and how we perform.

"It's been proved that anybody can beat anybody else on their day in this group and we'll go down there in confident mood."

Gloucestershire's Blast hopes were dealt a severe blow when key all-rounder Benny Howell was ruled out for the season by a hamstring injury. But Klinger is undaunted.

“We've had a lot of injuries and losing Benny Howell is a blow," he said. "But we just keep going and don't allow it to affect us.

"Zak Chappell came in on loan from Notts to make his debut against Hampshire and I thought he did a good job.

“He bowled well, took a catch and fitted right in with the other boys. We'll go to Taunton with the same group of players and do our best to halt Somerset's momentum.

"If we do get through the group, it will be because we have been good enough in big games like this next one."

Courtesy of the ECB reporters network

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