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 Hampshire Hawks
Venue: Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date: Friday, June 25, 2021
Start time: 7pm
What’s the lowdown?
Hampshire haven’t played a Blast fixture since June 15 after losing their matches against Surrey and Gloucestershire to the weather. Prior to that, they were on a two-match losing streak and haven’t won since recording a 13-run victory over Essex in round two. The Hawks are currently eighth in the South Group with one win in six matches.
Somerset, meanwhile, had two matches rained off before they got a chance to build on their victory against Kent, but the delay didn’t stall their winning momentum. Against Surrey, they limited their opponents to 146 for 8 before a James Hildreth masterclass (72 from 59) secured a seven-wicket victory. They’ll be hoping to make it three wins from three against Hampshire.
Who’s in form?
As mentioned, Hildreth rolled back the years against Surrey to take his run total for the season to 169 while his strike rate is a very healthy 149.55. Will Smeed also chipped in with a useful 42 runs (29 balls) which should reassure the Somerset faithful that Tom Abell’s absence won’t cause too much batting chaos.
With the ball, Marchant de Lange is Somerset’s leading wicket-taker, with seven, while Jack Leach impressed on his T20 debut, taking 3 for 28.
D’Arcy Short, Joe Weatherley, and Lewis McManus stood out with the bat when Hampshire last played, each posting 40+ knocks and strike rates in excess of 170 against Middlesex. However, they need to produce more of the same against Somerset if Hampshire are going to get anywhere in the Blast – at present, the Hawks are without a half-century in four matches and have just three players in triple-figures.
Among the bowlers, Mason Crane has eight wickets and an economy of 8.26 – his nearest teammates have three wickets.
What’s the team news?
Hampshire Hawks: Colin de Grandhomme is available after the World Test Championship final and could make his debut at Taunton. Liam Dawson remains with England while youngsters Tom Prest and Toby Albert have made the trip.
Hampshire squad: James Vince (c), Lewis McManus, Scott Currie, D’Arcy Short, Ryan Stevenson, Joe Weatherley, James Fuller, Brad Wheal, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Prest, Toby Albert, Mason Crane, Chris Wood
Somerset: Somerset are still without Roelof van der Merwe and Tom Abell, but New Zealand international Devon Conway will be available for the first time this season.
Somerset squad: Lewis Gregory, Tom Banton, George Bartlett, Eddie Byrom, Devon Conway, Josh Davey, Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Will Smeed, Max Waller
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Somerset: WAAWL
Hampshire Hawks: AALLW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 18
Somerset wins: 11
Glamorgan wins: 6
Tied: 1
Abandoned: 3
No result: 0
What’s the weather forecast?
A clear evening is expected in Southampton, with temperatures hitting 18 degrees Celsius.
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?
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?
Hampshire have struggled with bat and ball in the Blast so far and haven’t played for a week and a half. Somerset win.
OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES: FRIDAY, JUNE 25
North Group
Worcestershire Rapids v Durham
Northants Steelbacks v Lancashire Lightning
Derbyshire Falcons v Notts Outlaws
Leicestershire Foxes v Yorkshire Vikings
South Group
Sussex Sharks v Gloucestershire
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