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: Essex Eagles v Sussex Sharks
Venue: Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford
Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Start time: 7pm
What’s the lowdown?
It’s been a mixed start for hosts Essex Eagles as they welcome the unbeaten Sussex Sharks to Chelmsford for this Tuesday night clash. The Eagles were champions in 2019 but have struggled to show that winning form in their first three games. Their only victory to date came against Somerset on last Wednesday’s blockbuster opening day of the Blast where they scraped home with seven balls remaining, largely thanks to overseas player Jimmy Neesham.
Since then, they fell short in pursuit of 156 against Hampshire before being swept aside by Welsh side Glamorgan. They face a tough ask welcoming the Sharks in this fixture.
By contrast, Sussex Sharks have got off to the ideal start. They are two from two and have shown their intent registering two blistering victories. They first visited Gloucestershire, running down their total of 177 at a canter, before returning to the south coast to welcome Hampshire. It was another chase that they made to look insignificant as they cruised to a nine-wicket victory. After such a confident beginning to their season they will be assured in setting a behemoth total or chasing anything Essex can post.
Who’s in form?
Phil Salt has been simply magnificent, scoring 149 runs in two days. He is yet to be out in the competition and therefore does not have an average. With unbeaten knocks of 77 and 72, he has given himself the ideal platform to catapult his season into one for the record books. George Garton has starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets at a staggering economy of 3.75, comfortably the best economy of the tournament so far.
Essex have been led by Sam Cook, who has claimed 6 wickets so far this campaign. His average of 11.00 is impressive and his continued form will dictate Essex’s chance in this game. Jimmy Neesham has made a strong start to his first stint with Essex, scoring 102 runs and striking at 162.51. The Kiwi international will be looking to domestic veteran Ryan Ten Doeschate to shine alongside him.
What’s the team news?
Essex: The Eagles have named an unchanged 13-man squad despite enduring successive defeats.
Essex squad: Simon Harmer (c), Will Buttleman, Sam Cook, Feroze Kushi, Jimmy Neesham, Aron Nijjar, Michael Pepper, Jack Plom, Jamie Porter, Shane Snater, Ryan Ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Tom Westley
Sussex: Sharks have made one change to the squad of 14 that beat Hampshire in their last outing. Henry Crocombe will make way for Mitch Claydon. Luke Wright is also recovering well from the split webbing that has kept him out of their first two fixtures. He may make his return in this fixture.
Sussex squad: Luke Wright (c), Will Beer, Ravi Bopara, Oli Carter, Mitch Claydon, George Garton, Travis Head, Chris Jordan, Archie Lenham, Tymal Mills, Delray Rawlins, Phil Salt, Aaron Thomason, David Wiese
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Essex Eagles: LLWLL
Sussex Sharks: WWLWW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 28
Essex Eagles wins: 13
Sussex Sharks wins: 15
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 0
No result: 2
What’s the weather forecast?
It will be 22 degrees Celsius in Chelmsford as the weather gods continue to shine on England. No rain or cloud is forecast.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Chelmsford: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Attendance is for members only, via a ballot.
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?
With Sussex having such an incredible start to the campaign, Essex have an extremely tough assignment ahead. If Sussex can continue the momentum, they will easily have too much for the Eagles. Sussex Win.
OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES: TUESDAY, JUNE 15
North Group
Yorkshire Vikings v Leicestershire Foxes
Derbyshire Falcons v Lancashire Lightning
Northamptonshire v Birmingham Bears
South Group
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