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 Vitality Blast...
Fixture: Essex Eagles v Glamorgan
Venue: Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Date: Thursday, July 1, 2021
Start time: 7pm
What’s the lowdown?
Two mercurial sides meet in Chelmsford, as Essex host Glamorgan. This is a must-win for both sides, who do not have the benefit of games to spare and need points now in order to make a late quarter-final challenge.
Glamorgan triumphed in the reverse fixture between these two, winning by seven wickets at Sophia Gardens three weeks ago, but since then have won just twice. However, one of those victories was in their most recent game, a thrilling one-run triumph over last season’s runners-up Surrey on Tuesday.
The Eagles have proven unpredictable since that game in Cardiff, winning three games from six, but identically to Glamorgan, one of those victories was in their most recent game on Tuesday. They secured an impressive victory at home to a strong Somerset side by virtue of chasing down a DLS-revised target with five balls to spare.
Who’s in form?
Essex’s Michael Pepper hit his maiden T20 half-century in that victory over Somerset, striking an unbeaten 55 off 35 deliveries, and he was well supported by 49 from Adam Wheater as the Eagles chased down their rain-revised target of 148 to win by six wickets. Pepper also hit a 32-ball 43 in a recent two-wicket victory over Middlesex, with England’s Dan Lawrence amongst the runs in that game as well, scoring 59 off 37.
Skipper Simon Harmer remains Essex’s primary threat with the ball in hand in all formats, and the South African spinner once more ripped through a middle order. He finished with figures of 4 for 24, at one point reducing the visitors from 107 for 2 to 111 for 5, to mark the second game in a row in which he took four wickets. Prior to the Somerset game, he also took 4 for 26 against Kent in another rain-affected clash.
Integral to Glamorgan’s surprise victory over Surrey on Tuesday was the bowling performance of spinner Prem Sisodiya, who snared the wicket of the explosive Will Jacks with his very first ball, before finishing with economical figures of 2 for 22 from four overs. All-rounder Dan Douthwaite also struck to remove Gus Atkinson first ball, and added to his very impressive showing of two wickets and 31-ball 53 against Middlesex.
Billy Root, younger brother of England Test skipper Joe, was also impressive against Surrey, notching 41 not out from 28 deliveries, a score which included four maximums. His score was exactly matched by opener David Lloyd, who added to his steady 29 against Middlesex, made as wickets clattered around him. Former Durham all-rounder James Weighell also struck a fifty in that Middlesex game at Radlett, partnering Douthwaite to take Glamorgan to a competitive total.
What’s the team news?
A familiar squad for Essex.
Essex Eagles squad: Simon Harmer, Will Buttleman, Sam Cook, Dan Lawrence, Jimmy Neesham, Aron Nijjar, Michael Pepper, Jack Plom, Jamie Porter, Shane Snater, Ryan ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Tom Westley, Adam Wheater
Timm van der Gugten is rested and replaced by Andrew Salter for Glamorgan. Prem Sisodiya is being assessed for an injury, with Michael Hogan called up as cover.
Sam Pearce is included after making his first-team debut on Tuesday against Surrey, and 19-year-old off-spinner Tegid Phillips is called up to his first Glamorgan squad.
Michael Neser and Marnus Labuschagne are still in isolation after being deemed close contacts of Nick Selman, who contracted Covid-19 last week. Selman has recovered from flu-like symptoms but remains in isolation.
Glamorgan squad: Chris Cooke, Kiran Carlson, Dan Douthwaite, Michael Hogan, Colin Ingram, David Lloyd, Sam Pearce, Tegid Phillips, Billy Root, Andrew Salter, Prem Sisodiya, Callum Taylor, Roman Walker, James Weighell
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Essex Eagles: WLWWL
Glamorgan: WLLAA
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 15
Essex Eagles wins: 8
Glamorgan wins: 8
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 4
No result: 2
What’s the weather forecast?
A clear and sunny evening is expected at Chelmsford which would ensure a full game is possible.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Chelmsford: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Tickets are not available for purchase for this fixture.
Click here to access the Essex box office.
Travel
Address: County Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 OPG
By train: Chelmsford Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the ground.
Coming out of the station, walk north on Duke Street and then turn left onto Park Road. Turn right going between Middleditch Court and Norman Court before turning left. When reaching the Parkway main road, turn left before quickly turning right to cross into the Park.
Having crossed the River Can, keep straight until hitting New Writtle Street where you must turn left. After approximately 350 feet, turn left and the ground is on the right.
By car: The stadium has a pay and display carpark with cash payment machines located on site.
Chelmsford City Centre’s High Chelmer multi-storey car par is a five-minute walk from the ground and can be accessed via New London Road after turning left off Parkway. This car park’s post code is CM2 OLG.
There are two park and ride sites in Chelmsford which offer bus services into the city centre. The first site is Chelmer Valley, postcode CM2 7RZ, and the second is located at CM3 3PR.
By bus: Chelmsford Bus Station is on Duke Street, right next to the Railway Station. Bus No.42 and No.100 stop on New London road, approximately a two-minute walk to the ground.
How do I follow the match?
Essex 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?
Essex have shown signs of life in recent weeks. Glamorgan have been hit with Covid-19 withdrawals recently but on their day have the power to challenge anyone. Narrow home win.
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