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: Surrey v Hampshire Hawks
Venue: The Kia Oval
Date: Friday, June 17, 2021
Start time: 6.30pm
What’s the lowdown?
Hampshire are on a slippery slope and face a daunting trip to south London. In their last game, they failed to defend 215 against bottom of the table Middlesex and previously failed to make headway into Sussex’s batting lineup, as the south coast side chased 155 for the loss of just one wicket, inside 16 overs.
Surrey remain unbeaten in the competition after their clash with Sussex was rained off with just five overs possible. Wins over Middlesex, Somerset and Glamorgan in their opening games means they're well in contention for a top-four finish.
Who’s in form?
It’s slim pickings for the Hawks, with Mason Crane taking eight wickets from his 15 overs. His average of 15.50 is good, but he has been provided next to no support from the rest of his bowling attack.
With the bat, Joe Weatherly is top of the run-scoring charts for the Hawks, but again his 134 runs at an average of 33.50 is not that of potential title-winners. Skipper James Vince has chipped in but his 124 runs represent an average return.
Surrey have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal, particularly in the batting department with a top-four of Jason Roy, Will Jacks, Laurie Evans and Sam Curran - forcing Hashim Amla, a veteran of more than 4,500 runs in this format, into a watching brief.
What’s the team news?
Surrey: For the fifth Blast game in a row, Surrey are unchanged. Sam Curran, Tom Curran and Jason Roy will be available for their final fixture before departing for the England white-ball squad. Rory Burns will be available from June 21, after being given an extended break.
Surrey squad: Gareth Batty (c), Hashim Amla, Jordan Clark, Rikki Clarke, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Matt Dunn, Laurie Evans, Ben Geddes, Will Jacks, Daniel Moriarty, Jamie Overton, Ryan Patel, Jason Roy, Jamie Smith
Hampshire: The Hawks have announced a 14-man squad ahead of their two remaining fixtures this week. They take on Surrey on Friday night, before visiting Gloucestershire on Sunday evening. They have added three players to the final XI that played against Middlesex on Tuesday. Toby Albert, Ian Holland and Chris Wood have been included.
Hampshire Hawks squad: James Vince (c), Toby Albert, Tom Alsop, James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Ian Holland, Chris Wood, Lewis McManus, D'Arcy Short, Joe Weatherley, Brad Wheal, Kyle Abbott, Mason Crane, Ryan Stevenson
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Surrey: WWWLW
Hampshire Hawks: LLWLW
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 24
Surrey wins: 13
Hampshire Hawks wins: 11
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 4
No result: 0
What’s the weather forecast?
In short, a complete wash-out is on the cards. Rain from around 3pm is not scheduled to relent. Might be worth staying at home for this one.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for The Kia Oval: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
This match is sold out.
Travel
Address: Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SS
By car: No match-day parking is available at, or in the vicinity of the ground, and we advise all customers to use public transport. We only offer parking to Blue Badge holders on a first come first serve basis.
The ground is situated on the A202, near the junction with the A3 and A24, just south of Vauxhall Bridge and 10-minutes from Victoria and Waterloo.
By train: Use South Western Railway trains into Vauxhall station, which is a 10-minute walk from the ground. The station is well served by trains throughout Surrey and Hampshire as well as from the Greater London area.
By underground: The Kia Oval is just a one-minute walk away from Oval underground station, which is situated in South London on the Northern line. It is on your left as you leave the main entrance of the station. The ground is also a 10-minute walk from Vauxhall which is situated on the Victoria line.
By bus: Route numbers 36, 185 and 436 stop outside the ground and other local services stop around the corner. The following buses pass within a 5-minute walk of the ground: 3, 59, 109, 133, 159, 333.
How do I follow the match?
Surrey 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?
It appears that Hampshire may be saved by the rain, and judging by these two teams' contrasting form, they might be grateful for it. If there is play possible. There can only be a Surrey win.
OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES: FRIDAY, JUNE 18
North Group
Worcestershire Rapids v Northamptonshire Steelbacks
Notts Outlaws v Derbyshire Falcons
Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning
South Group
Essex Eagles v Gloucestershire
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