T20 Blast 2020: Central Group, Gloucestershire vs. Northamptonshire - Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The opening match of the Vitality T20 Blast’s Central Group will be played between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire at the County ground in Bristol.

This match is scheduled to start at 02:00 PM Local Time (6:30 PM IST) (01:00 PM UTC).

Preview

In their first T20 meeting since 2013, both Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire will be keen to register a win. This is the first match of the central group in Vitality T20 Blast. Both sides will look to begin their campaign on a winning note and then sustain the momentum. 

Northamptonshire had beaten Gloucestershire twice in the year 2013. But, in the three games played before that, Gloucestershire emerged victorious over Northamptonshire. Gloucestershire had finished second in the south group last year, whereas Northamptonshire could only win four of their 14 matches.  

Weather Report

There is a 60% chance of rain in Bristol during the match time. The fans might not get a full 40-overs match between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire.

Pitch Report

Gloucestershire won three of the six matches played here last year. No team managed to touch the 200-runs mark in the last five games, while the pitch assisted the quicker bowlers. 

Average 1st innings score: 149 (Last five matches considered)

Record of Chasing Teams: Won: 4, Lost: 1

Injury & Availability News

(Will be added when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XIs

Gloucestershire

James Bracey (wk), Ian Cockbain, Chris Dent, Miles Hammond, Jack Taylor, Ryan Higgins, George Scott, Greame van Buuren, Josh Shaw, David Payne, Matt Taylor.  

Bench: George Hankins, Tom Smith, Ben Charlesworth. 

Northamptonshire

Josh Cobb (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Paul Stirling, Richard Levi, Alex Wakely, Tom Sole, Saif Zaib, Nathan Buck, Gareth Berg, Ben Sanderson, Blessing Muzarabani. 

Bench: Graeme White, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Rob Keogh, Brandon Glover.

Top Picks

Irish all-rounder Paul Stirling will be the prime pick for this contest. He is a proven match-winner in T20 cricket and can do a phenomenal job in the batting department. 

Former South African opener Richard Levi is present in the Northamptonshire squad. His past record in T20 cricket makes him an automatic top pick for this match. 

Ryan Higgins picked up 11 wickets in a recent first-class match against Warwickshire. He will be the player to look out for from Gloucestershire 

Captain and Vice-Captain Options

Captain Options: Paul Stirling, Richard Levi

Vice-Captain Options: Ryan Higgins, George Scott

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Adam Rossington, James Bracey

Batsmen – Paul Stirling (c), Chris Dent, Ian Cockbain 

All-Rounders – Graeme van Buuren, Ryan Higgins (vc), Josh Cobb

Bowlers – Gareth Berg, Josh Shaw, Ben Sanderson

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – James Bracey

Batsmen – Richard Levi (c), Paul Stirling, Miles Hammond, Ian Cockbain 

All-Rounders – Graeme van Buuren, George Scott (vc), Josh Cobb

Bowlers – Gareth Berg, Josh Shaw, Ben Sanderson

Expert Advice

George Scott has recently moved to the Gloucestershire team. He is a right-handed batsman and a medium-fast bowler, who has played 24 T20 games so far. Scott plays a pinch hitter and his 14 fours and 10 sixes in 24 matches highlight the same. He has aggregated mere 278 runs so far, but since he believes in hitting boundaries, George could prove to be an ‘X-factor’ player in this match. 

Probable Winners

Northamptonshire is expected to win this match.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.