Essex vs Middlesex, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2021, Today Match Prediction 18 July 2021

ess vs mdx Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Essex will be looking to earn a consolation win when they take on Middlesex in the 123rd match of T20 Blast at County Ground in Chelmsford

On the other hand, Essex have suffered back-to-back defeats in the competition. The county side have been eliminated from the playoff race and would be looking to end their poor campaign on a decent note.

On the other hand, Middlesex will be looking to break their three-match losing streak against Essex. The side were completely outclassed by Kent in all three departments in a game played at Lords Cricket Ground in London.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Essex Preview

Essex have suffered from inconsistency in this year’s competition. The side has struggled to produce positive results this season.

In the batting department, the side will be relying on opening duo of Tom Westley and Adam Wheater to get the side off to good start in the Powerplay overs.

Middle-order comprising of Daniel Lawrence James Neesham and Ryan Ten Doeschate will have to put make decent contributions for Essex to post a competitive total on the board.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Samuel Cook and Aron Nijjar to make early inroads with the new-ball.

Left-arm spinner Aron Nijjar has been exceptional for Essex in the previous game and claimed two wickets. Simon Harmer continued his excellent form and finished with figures of 2 for 26 in his four overs.

Essex Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Westley, Adam Wheater (wk), Daniel Lawrence, James Neesham, Michael Kyle-Pepper, Ryan ten Doeschate, Paul Walter, Simon Harmer (c), Aron Nijjar, Jack Plom/Shane Snater, Samuel Cook

Essex Actual Playing XI:

Paul Walter, Daniel Lawrence, Aron Nijjar, Josh Rymell, Tom Westley, Samuel Cook, Adam Wheater, Simon Harmer, Michael Pepper, James Neesham, Shane Snater

Middlesex Preview

The county side failed to deliver as a unit in this year’s competition. With three wins to their name, the side is lying at the bottom of the league table in South Group.

In the batting department, the onus will be on likes of opener Stephen Eskinazi, wicket-keeper Joe Cracknell, Daryl Mitchell and Sam Robson to deliver the bulk of the runs.

In the previous match, Middlesex were dismissed for less than 90 runs against Kent. The side will be keen to make amends for poor show with the bat in the previous clash.

In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Steven Finn, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Blake Cullen to provide crucial breakthroughs.

In the previous fixture, medium-pacer Blake Cullen was the pick of the bowlers in the previous game and claimed 4 for 33 in his four overs. Besides Cullen, Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman bowled well and finished with figures of 2 for 36 in his four overs

Middlesex Predicted Playing XI:

Steven Finn (captain), Stephen Eskinazi/Varun Chopa, Sam Robson, Joe Cracknell, Daryl Mitchell, Max Holden, John Simpson, Luke Hollman, Nathan Sowter, Blake Cullen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman,

Middlesex Actual Playing XI:

Max Holden, Tom Helm, Luke Hollman, Joe Cracknell, Sam Robson, Blake Cullen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Daryl Mitchell, John Simpson, Nathan Sowter, ST Finn

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The wicket prepared at Chelmsford will provide an interesting battle with bat and ball. Spinners definitely got some turn from the surface this season. The weather forecast for the game is expected to be clear skies throughout the evening.

Venue Details

Essex will take heart from the fact that they have won their last two matches at Chelmsford.

Toss: To Bowl

The side that wins the toss, would be keen to bowl first and restrict the opposition to less than 160 runs. The previous two matches played at Chelmsford have been won by side batting second.