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: Worcestershire Rapids v Northamptonshire Steelbacks
Venue: New Road, Worcester
Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
Start time: 5.30pm
What’s the lowdown?
The Rapids suffered their first defeat of the season as they crumbled in front of a Jonny Bairstow-inspired Yorkshire. After a tied match against Notts in the opening round, the Rapids recorded two very impressive victories. First, they set an insurmountable 186 to win in the first clash with Northants, before reducing Lancashire to 132 for 4 in their 20 overs. They comprehensively chased the total inside 18 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
It came as somewhat of a shock then that they were so heavily beaten by Yorkshire, as they slumped to 122 all out in pursuit of 217. They are currently fifth in the table, behind fourth-placed Notts Outlaws on net run rate.
Northants remain one of only two sides without a victory in this season's Blast, slipping to their fourth loss on the bounce to Derbyshire after only being able to set a pitiful 142 to win.
That followed three successive defeats batting second to Birmingham Bears, Notts Outlaws and Worcestershire, leaving head coach Dave Ripley with plenty to ponder.
Who’s in form?
Brett D’Oliviera and Moeen Ali have been the star batters for the Rapids so far. Though they haven't found consistency, they have each played crucial innings in a victory. They have 109 and 106 runs respectively. Charlie Morris has been the main bowler, taking seven wickets at 17.85, but he has received great support from import Ben Dwarshius, who has already claimed six wickets in his first stint in English domestic cricket.
Josh Cobb stands a mile out from an otherwise inept Steelbacks squad, having registered the only half-century and the only score above 45. Seamer Tom Taylor leads the way with the ball with six wickets.
What’s the team news?
Worcestershire: The Rapids have added one player to their 14-man squad with Dillon Pennington coming back in
Worcestershire Rapids squad: Riki Wessels, Brett D’Oliveira, Moeen Ali (c), Jake Libby, Ross Whiteley, Ben Cox (w), Ed Barnard, Ish Sodhi, Ben Dwarshuis, Charlie Morris, Josh Tongue, Dillon Pennigton, Tom Fell, Daryl Mitchell
Northamptonshire Steelbacks squad: Coming soon
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Worcestershire Rapids: LWWTL
Northamptonshire Steelbacks: LLLLL
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 32
Worcestershire Rapids wins: 17
Northamptonshire Steelbacks wins: 14
Tied: 0
No result: 1
Abandoned: 5
What’s the weather forecast?
It’s fairly clear throughout the day, but rain is due for the start of play. There is a strong chance of thunderstorms between 4pm and 7pm, so expect a rain-affected fixture.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Worcester: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
No tickets are on public sale for this fixture, with the club conducting a ballot of members.
Travel
Address: Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road, Worcester, WR2 4QQ
By car
From the north: From the M5 junction 7 follow the cricket stumps on the roadsigns to the ground.
From the south: From M5 junction 7 follow the cricket stumps on the road signs to the ground.
From the east: From the A422, Alcester, continue on this road to the roundabout junction with the A4440 (Swinesherd Way), take second exit at roundabout on to A44, continue to follow the A44 and it will lead you to New Road, the ground will be on your left.
From the west: From the A44, Evesham, stay on the A44 (east) and it will lead you to New Road, the ground will be on your left.
By bus
Once you are in Worcester city centre’s bus station that is beneath the Crown Gate Shopping Centre, walk out of the station, turn left, continue to walk straight ahead to a pedestrian crossing, walk across this and another pedestrian crossing, continue across the bridge over the Severn River and you will arrive at the ground on your left.
By train
Worcester Foregate Street is the closest train station to the ground and is approximately half a mile from the ground. To get to the ground from Foregate Street station turn left out of the main entrance, head towards the cross where you turn right onto Broad Street. Continue straight, across two pedestrian crossings to get to the other side of New Road, walk over the bridge and you will shortly arrive at the ground on your left.
How do I follow the match
Worcestershire will offer live coverage of the match via their YouTube channel: 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.
Sky Sports will show this game live on Sky Sports Cricket (channel 404 on Sky).
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?
Worcestershire Rapids are clearly the team in form and have already registered a victory over the Steelbacks this season. Weather permitting, Worcestershire win.
OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES: FRIDAY, JUNE 18
North Group
Notts Outlaws v Derbyshire Falcons
Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning
South Group
Essex Eagles v Gloucestershire
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