Somerset vs Gloucestershire, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2020, Today Match Prediction 13 Sep 2020

som vs gloucs Match Prediction & Analysis

It will be a very important contest in the Central Group of the T20 Blast 2020 where hosts Somerset would be up against Gloucestershire. The hosts have lost the last two games by small margins which has affected their place in the points table. They need to win this game to keep their hopes alive for the quarterfinals. Gloucestershire have won their last four games and the side is looking in great form at the moment. 

Gloucestershire has shown great form with the bat so far in the season but their bowling attack has lacked teeth. This is likely to be a big challenge for them in a very small ground. Somerset on the other hand can consider themselves unlucky as both their previous games could have gone their way. Considering the team composition on both the camps we expect this game to be a tough contest. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Somerset Preview

Tom Abell returned as skipper taking charge from Lewis Gregory and saw his side go down by 3 runs against the Worcestershire Rapids. The team has played well in the last two games but ended up on the losing side. Abell would look to overcome this and win this game against the table toppers. 

Their top order has played poorly in the last two games and the side would be looking for a good start from Babar Azam and Steven Davies. Will Smeed at No. 3 missed out in the last game and he will have to play a strong hand in this game. Abell and Gregory are looking in good form with the bat at the moment. The side bats deep with Roelof van der Merwe and Tom Lammonboy and they have already made lots of runs this season. 

As far as their bowling goes the side has become over reliant on Max Waller who is in absolutely brilliant form at the moment. They will expect better show from Craig Overton in this game. Roelof van der Merwe, Lammonboy, Gregory and Ollie Sale add to the bowling options for the side and make this attack very strong. 

Somerset Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Abell (c), Babar Azam, Steven Davies (wk), Will Smeed, Edward Byrom, Lewis Gregory, Tom Lammonby, Craig Overton, Roelof van der Merwe, Ollie Sale, Max Waller

Somerset Actual Playing XI:

Babar Azam, Steven Davies, Lewis Gregory, Tom Abell, Josh Davey, Max Waller, RE Van Der Merwe, Will Smeed, Ollie Sale, Tom Lammonby, George Bartlett

Gloucestershire Preview

Jack Taylor’s side is having a dream run and they have won their last four games to top the points table. It was another convincing win for them against Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the last game where they won by 35 runs. But playing Somerset in the latter’s home ground would be a challenge and Taylor would be looking for another good show from his boys. 

Their batting looks rock solid at the moment with Chris Dent, Ian Cockbain and Ryan Higgins having scored runs in the last few games. The only worry for the side is the form of Miles Hammond at the top and the side would want him to score runs in this game. James Bracey, Taylor and George Scott also add strength to the batting down the order. 

It is their bowling attack which hasn’t performed well in the tournament so far. Matt Taylor and David Payne have been expensive with the new ball in most games and this is worrying for the side. Higgins was also expensive in the last game. But the side would be happy to have seen Graeme van Buuren and Tom Smith bowl well in the last game. 

Gloucestershire Predicted Playing XI:

Jack Taylor (c), Chris Dent, Miles Hammond, Ian Cockbain, Ryan Higgins, James Bracey (wk), George Scott, Graeme van Buuren, Tom Smith, David Payne, Matt Taylor

Gloucestershire Actual Playing XI:

Chris Dent, Benny Howell, David Payne, GLV Buuren, Jack Taylor, Miles Hammond, George Scott, Ryan Higgins, Tom Smith, Ian Cockbain, James Bracey

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies would be clear over Taunton on September 13 and the conditions would be ideal for batting. There would be some assistance for the bowlers early on in the game but it will be a wicket for stroke play. The side batting first would have to score in excess of 170 runs to feel safe on this track.

Venue Details

The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton is one of the smallest grounds in UK and has been a paradise for batsmen big scored have be made here. Fast bowlers have done well on this track with the new ball at this venue but it is one of the toughest wickets for the spinners as mishits can easily cross the boundary ropes.

Toss: To Bat

This venue is the perfect place for batsmen as the smaller size of the boundaries allow batsmen to play their strokes. Most sides in the past have opted to bat first here upon winning the toss and the last two games have gone in favor of sides that have batted first. Hence, we expect the captain winning the toss to bat first in this game.