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 Kent
Venue: Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Start time: 6.30pm
What’s the lowdown?
It’s a tale of two opposites as South Group Kent take on the second bottom and winless Somerset.
The hosts are yet to open their account in their first two games, despite boasting some of the most exciting young talents around. They were narrowly beaten by Essex Eagles in the opener before being decimated by high flying Surrey in round two. With Kent off to an imperious start, they may be forced to wait to get their Blast campaign underway.
The Spitfires have won three in three to get off to a perfect start. Their most recent victory over last season's semi-finalists Gloucestershire will be particularly pleasing and is an encouraging indicator ahead of the remainder of the group stage.
Who’s in form?
Dutch international Fred Klaasen has been Kent’s star performer with the ball claiming seven wickets in their three victories. Darren Stevens has provided marvellous support and continues to prove that his age is irrelevant, claiming five crucial wickets at an exceptional economy of 7.09. With the bat Jack Leaning has been superb, scoring 146 at an average of 73.00, including a match-winning 81 not out last time out.
For Somerset, Josh Davey has been the most profitable bowler, taking five wickets at an average of 14. With the bat, only one man has truly stood up for Somerset in their opening rounds and that is Tom Abell. His 69 off 44 balls was the only shining light from an otherwise unconvincing batting effort against Surrey. He has developed into a very good all-around cricketer and will likely maintain his run of good form throughout the tournament.
What’s the team news?
Somerset: The hosts have named a 14-man squad for the visit of KentThey are strengthened by the return of England duo Craig Overton and Jack Leach, who were both away with the squad but did not feature in England's series defeat.
Somerset squad: Lewis Gregory (c), Tom Abell, Tom Banton, Eddie Byrom, Josh Davey, Marchant de Lange, Lewis Goldsworthy, Ben Green, James Hildreth, Tom Lammonby, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Will Smeed, Max Waller
Kent: League leaders have named a 15-man squad ahead of their clash with Somerset. Zac Crawley and club captain Sam Billings return though Daniel Bell-Drummond to continue to captain the side, with his departure for the England white-ball squad just around the corner. Tim Groenewald and Heino Kuhn remain injured.
Kent squad: Daniel Bell Drummond (c), Sam Billings, Alex Blake, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Nathan Gilchrist, Fred Klaasen, Jack Leaning, James Logan, Mat Milnes, Qais Ahmad, Ollie Robinson, Darren Stevens, Grant Stewart.
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Somerset: LLLWW
Kent: WWWLW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 16
Somerset wins: 4
Kent wins: 12
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 3
No result: 0
What’s the weather forecast?
It is slightly milder in the west of England, with temperatures peaking at 22 degrees Celcius. There is no chance of rain.
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 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?
Kent's recent run and Somerset poor head-to-head record point to one result: a Spitfires away 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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