Vitality T20 Blast 2019: North Group, Worcestershire vs Nottinghamshire: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The North Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire at New Road in Worcestershire.

The match starts at 4:00 PM local time (8:30 PM IST) (3:30 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Sky Sports in England

Preview:

As the fight for the knockout places intensifies, defending champions Worcestershire are in action as they host Nottinghamshire in the lone T20 Blast match on Wednesday. Both teams are placed in the top half of the North Group with 14 and 15 points respectively.

In the absence of Martin Guptill, the Worcs weren’t able to make amends as they succumbed to a disappointing loss to Lancashire earlier in the week. On the other hand, Nottinghamshire come into this game with a win and look to seal their spot in the knockouts with a win against Worcestershire.

Weather Condition/Report:

There is a fair amount of chance of the heavens opening up throughout the day. The showers are expected at 9 M and 12 PM in the lead up to the game. There is also a 56% chance of rain during the match and the encounter could be a reduced affair according to AccuWeather.

Pitch Condition/Report:

New Road has generally favoured the fast bowlers and could do the same with overcast conditions set to engulf the ground. With the rain around and DLS likely to come into play, the team winning the toss will look to field first and then chase down the target.

Average score: 176 (T20 Blast matches in 2019 at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 2

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Worcestershire:

Hamish Rutherford, Riki Wessels, Moeen Ali, Tom Fell, Ben Cox, Wayne Parnell, Ross Whiteley, Ed Bernard, Daryl  Mitchell, Pat Brown and Dillon Pennington

Bench: Joe Leach and George Rhodes

Nottinghamshire:

Joe Clarke, Alex Hales, Ben Duckett, Tom Moores, Jake Libby, Dan Christian, Samit Patel, Luke Fletcher, Matt Carter, Luke Wood and Harry Gurney

Bench: Jake Ball, Chris Nash and Liam Patterson-White

Top Picks:

Riki Wessels is the highest scorer for the defending champions with 304 runs in 10 outings at a strike-rate of 146.15

Moeen Ali will also be extremely crucial thanks to his all-round ability. He has so far scored runs at a strike-rate of close to 161 while picking six wickets with the ball as well.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Riki Wessels, Alex Hales, Moeen Ali

Vice-Captain – Ben Duckett, Daniel Christian, Wayne Parnell

While Alex Hales’ record in the T20 format is exquisite, Moeen Ali’s added ability with the ball can also yield a wicket or two. The recent form also suggests Ali to have a good game on Wednesday, making him the better option as captain.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Moores

Batsmen – Alex Hales (VC), Ben Duckett, Riki Wessels, Hamish Rutherford

All-Rounders – Moeen Ali (C), Dan Christian, Wayne Parnell

Bowlers – Harry Gurney, Ed Bernard, Luke Wood

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Moores, Joe Clarke

Batsmen – Alex Hales (C), Ross Whiteley, Riki Wessels

All-Rounders – Dan Christian, Moeen Ali (VC), Wayne Parnell

Bowlers – Harry Gurney, Luke Wood, Pat Brown

Expert Advice:

With this being a high-scoring ground, top-order batsmen and death bowlers are key on the surface.

Although they will cost a good chunk of your budget, Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, Harry Gurney and Riki Wessels surely fit the bill heading into the game.

With variations also being key, Pat Brown could be the surprise package.

Probable Winners:

Worcestershire should make their home advantage count against a formidable Nottinghamshire side with a win in this high stakes encounter.

*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.