T20 Blast 2020: Central Group, Somerset vs Northamptonshire – 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report and Injury Update

Match Details:

The upcoming Central Group match of the T20 Blast 2020 is all set to be played between Somerset and Northamptonshire on Friday at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.

This match is scheduled to start at 05:00 PM Local Time (09:30 PM IST).

Preview:

At one stage in this competition, Northamptonshire were looking the most formidable outfit. But things can change in the blink of an eye in T20 Blast if you allow complacency to creep in. That has just been the case with them, who have now lost 3 games in 5 days.

They are currently second in the Central Group. Just two places and as many points behind them is their Friday’s opponent, Somerset. A win for Northamptonshire will almost get them a place in quarter-finals, while a win for Somersett will keep their qualification hopes alive.

Weather Report

The sun might be hiding behind a thick cloud cover over the Taunton sky on Friday. There are 20% chances of precipitation. Temperature is expected to be around 25 °C.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The surface at County Ground has been neutral in terms of its support, with anything around 160 being considered as a fighting total. Chasing is difficult here.

Average first innings score: 156 (Last five complete matches played at this venue)

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

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Somerset: 

Lewis Gregory (c), Tom Abell, Babar Azam, Dom Bess, Steve Davies, Lewis Goldsworthy, Craig Overton, Ollie Sale, Will Smeed, Roelof van der Merwe, Max Waller.

Bench:

George Bartlett, Josh Davey, Ben Green, Tom Lammonby.

Northamptonshire:

Joshua Cobb (c), Richard Levi, Paul Stirling, Adam Rossington (wk), Alex Wakely, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Saif Zaib, Graeme White, Nathan Buck, Ben Sanderson, Brandon Glover.

Bench: Luke Procter, Tom Sole, Rob Keogh, Tom Taylor.

Top Picks:

Babar Azam has 172 runs in 5 innings so far, which includes a scintillating knock of unbeaten 114. He has an average of over 40 and a strike rate of over 140. He must be included in your 11Wickets fantasy squad.

Paul Stirling is currently the leading the run-scoring charts for his team. He has amassed 169 runs so far. His average of nearly 30 is decent, while he also boasts of an exceptional strike rate of over 160.

Tom Abell has scored 182 runs from 7 matches, which includes two half-centuries. His average is over 30, while his strike rate is over 140.

Roelof van der Merwe has impressed in both the batting and bowling departments. He has scored 110 runs at an average of over 35 and has also picked up 3 wickets with an economy rate of less than 8 runs per over.

Nathan Buck has picked up 8 wickets in 7 games for Northamptonshire. He has an economy rate of 9 runs per over and an average of just over 20.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Babar Azam, Paul Stirling

Vice-Captain Options – Tom Abell, Roelof van der Merwe

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Adam Rossington

Batters – Richard Levi, Paul Stirling, Tom Abell (vc), Babar Azam (c)

All-Rounders – Saif Zaib, Lewis Gregory, Roelof van der Merwe

Bowlers – Graeme White, Ollie Sale, Ben Sanderson

12th Man – Joshua Cobb

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Steve Davies, Adam Rossington

Batters – Paul Stirling (c), Tom Abell, Babar Azam

All-Rounders – Joshua Cobb, Saif Zaib, Roelof van der Merwe (vc)

Bowlers – Max Waller, Nathan Buck, Ollie Sale

12th Man – Lewis Gregory

Expert Advice:

Having picked up 8 wickets so far, Ollie Sale’s form with the ball makes him a good pick for your 11Wickets fantasy side.

Probable Winners:

Northamptonshire are 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.