Hampshire Vitality Blast squad and preview – Fri 20th July
Middlesex have no time to dwell on last night’s T20 defeat to Somerset, as they head straight back into Vitality Blast action this evening at the Ageas Bowl against Hampshire.
Returning to the side last night for his first appearance since playing at Chelmsford a fortnight ago, opener Max Holden top scored for the Seaxes, hitting a quickfire 84 off 55 balls to set a platform for Middlesex to build on. Restricted in the middle overs by some tight spells from the Somerset bowlers, it was left to Dwayne Bravo to capitalise on Holden’s start, smashing three sixes in a thrilling knock of 32 off just 12 balls to take Middlesex to what looked to be a competitive total of 175 for 5 at Lord’s.
The Somerset batsmen had other ideas however as they went on the attack from ball one, with Johann Myburgh, Peter Trego and Corey Anderson all adding valuable contributions at impressive strike rates to see the visitors to their victory target with two overs to spare, with the trio smashing an impressive nine maximums between them.
Middlesex left Lord’s last night having lost three consecutive games, and they’ll need to turn around their fortunes in Southampton to bring themselves back into contention in the South Group.
Against Hampshire they would appear to have the perfect opportunity, as this evening’s hosts sit at the bottom of the table, having also lost three consecutive games, and remain pointless from the three Blast matches they’ve played to date.
With both sides desperate for a win tonight under the lights at the Ageas Bowl it’s set to be a tense affair, and whilst not yet considered a real ‘must-win’ game for either side, it’s as close to it as they’d like to face at this stage of the campaign, although there’s still time in both camps to turn things around.
Middlesex welcome back Dawid Malan to the side, and he will lead the Seaxes out this evening having been released from England Lions duty, although Nick Gubbins, whilst also finished with the Lions will be rested this evening.
Middlesex have named their eleven for tonight’s clash as follows…
Dawid Malan (captain)
Ashton Agar
Dwayne Bravo
Steven Finn
James Fuller
Tom Helm
Max Holden
Eoin Morgan
John Simpson (wicket-keeper)
Nathan Sowter
Paul Stirling
Hampshire
Middlesex
