T20 Blast 2020: Central Group, Somerset vs Glamorgan – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report and Injury Update

Match Details:

The Central Group match of the T20 Blast 2020 between Somerset and Glamorgan at The Cooper Associates County Ground Stadium, Taunton.

This match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM Local Time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM UTC).

Preview:

Somerset and Glamorgan, two teams which played exciting cricket last year, have been missing a few key players this season due to international commitments. The likes of Babar Azam and Tom Banton for Somerset and David Malan for Glamorgan are involved in a T20I series due to which the teams have been relatively weakened.

This has led to Somerset not having a point in two games while Glamorgan has one victory in 3 games, with both the teams having one match washed out. It will be an interesting contest as both the teams are yet to play to their full potential and this could be a match where both the teams show their prowess. A loss for either of the teams could make their journey very difficult in the competition.

Weather Report

Tuesday is expected to be a sunny day in Taunton with a gentle breeze. The temperature will be in the range of 11-19 degree Celsius. Only 7% precipitation expected at match time, and although the weather in Taunton is unpredictable, a full game should be possible.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The track at The Cooper Associates County Ground stadium is one of the highest-scoring pitches of the T20 Blast. Once a batsman gets set, it is challenging to dismiss him. With shortish boundaries and a belter of a track, this ground saw a number of 200+ scores last season including a 227-run chase in 17 overs. Expect a carnage if the batsmen get set.

Average first innings score: 200 (Last five complete matches played at this venue)

Record of chasing teams:  Won – 2, Lost – 3, Tied – 0

Injury and Availability News:

Nick Selman replaces injured Graham Wagg in Glamorgan.

Dom Bess has been added to the Somerset squad.

Probable Playing XIs:

Somerset:

George Bartlett, Steven Davies (wk), James Hildreth, Tom Abell (c), Edward Byrom, Dom Bess, Craig Overton, Dom Bess, Roelof van der Merwe, Jamie Overton, Max Waller

Bench: Josh Davey, Tom Lammonby, Ben Green

Glamorgan:

Billy Root, Daniel Douthwaite, Andrew Balbirnie, Chris Cooke (c) (wk), Kiran Carlson, Callum Taylor, Owen Morgan, Andrew Salter, Marchant de Lange, Timm van der Gugten, Prem Sisodiya

Bench: Michael Hogan, Lukas Carey, Nick Selman

Top Picks:

Chris Cooke, the stand-in Glamorgan skipper has been in scintillating form. He has scored two consecutive half-centuries, 72 and 51* and has single-handedly carried the Glamorgan batting line up. He looks to be in excellent touch and has been going at a strike rate of 137. He is an excellent pick.

The 35-year-old James Hildreth is an experienced campaigner and will look to carry on the good form from the last game where he scored a quickfire 34. He has been with Somerset for more than a decade now having scored in excess of 1700 runs and in the absence of the big names, he is sure to step up and put in strong performances.

Roelof van der Merwe has been an underrated cricketer since the time he played international cricket. The talented all-rounder is not only an excellent left-arm spinner but also a competent batsman, and he displayed his batting prowess in the last game scoring 41 where he almost helped Somerset chase down 170. With his all-round skills, he is one to watch out for.

Andrew Salter had an excellent start to the tournament as he picked up 4 wickets and helped Glamorgan to their first win. He had a good last season as well where he picked up 14 wickets, and his guile and accuracy make him a big threat for the batsmen.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Chris Cooke, James Hildreth

Vice-Captain Options – Roelof van der Merwe, Andrew Salter

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Chris Cooke (c)

Batters – James Hildreth, Tom Abell, George Bartlett, Andrew Balbirnie

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe(vc), Andrew Salter

Bowlers – Max Waller, Craig Overton, Prem Sisodiya, Marchant de Lange

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Chris Cooke

Batters – James Hildreth (c), Tom Abell, Billy Root, Andrew Balbirnie

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Andrew Salter (vc)

Bowlers – Max Waller, Craig Overton, Marchant de Lange, Ollie Sale

Expert Advice:

Max Waller has been a consistent performer for Somerset having picked up 57 wickets in the last 4 seasons and being a wrist spinner, he has the ability to turn the game around in a matter of deliveries.

Prem Sisodiya is a very talented prospect for Glamorgan and has shown good temperament in the two matches he has played bowling at an economy of less than 6. The left-arm orthodox is growing in confidence and a chance can be taken on the youngster.

Probable Winners:

Somerset 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.