Vitality T20 Blast 2019: South Group, Essex vs Middlesex: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The stars have come together for Middlesex to bring an end to their misery in the T20 format. With six wins after nine matches, the team led by Dawid Malan is positioned at No.2 in the points table as they are ahead of Kent on NRR who also have 12 points. With AB de Villiers not available for next three matches, the Middlesex have to be extremely careful about the decisions they make.

They will be aiming for at least one win in those three matches for making it to the quarter-finals. They now tour Chelmsford where they will take on a struggling Essex team. The Simon Harmer-led side won only two matches thus far and are placed at No.7 in South Group. These two teams faced off in the opening game of the tournament which was won by Middlesex comfortably.

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Essex and Middlesex at the County Ground in Chelmsford.

The match starts at 7:00 PM local time (11:30 PM IST) (6:00 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Sky Sports in India and Fan Code app in India.

Weather Condition/Report:

The best possible case for Chelmsford seems to be a 10-over game due to the weather forecast for Wednesday. About 90% of rain chances are there during the afternoon in Chelmsford. However, the possibility of rain comes down as the day progresses. Things are expected to get better by 8 PM local time.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The County Ground in Chelmsford has been the highest-scoring venue of this T20 Blast. Posting 200+ for the teams batting first has become a norm but chasing gets tricky once the floodlights come into the play.

Average first innings score: 177 (Unaffected T20 Blast matches since 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 4

Probable Playing XIs:

Essex:

Cameron Delport, Tom Westley, Adam Wheater (WK), Dan Lawrence, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara, Paul Walter, Simon Harmer (C), Mohammad Amir, Jamie Porter, Adam Zampa.

Bench: Shane Snater, Sam Cook, Aaron Beard.

Middlesex:

Dawid Malan (C), Paul Stirling, Stephen Eskinazi, Eoin Morgan, Mohammad Hafeez, John Simpson (WK), Tom Helm, Toby Roland-Jones, Steven Finn, Nathan Sowter, Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Bench: Tom Barber, James Harris, George Scott, Max Holden.

Injury and Availability News:

Mohammad Hafeez is roped in by Middlesex for next three games in the absence of AB de Villiers.

Top Picks:

Stephen Eskinazi managed to spring out some good performances in a star-studded line-up while Dan Lawrence has come up with quick 20-30s whenever he batted.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Dawid Malan, Toby Roland-Jones, Tom Westley

Vice-captain – Eoin Morgan, Cameron Delport, Stephen Eskinazi

When Dawid Malan scores, he scores big. Toby Roland-Jones has done well in every game and is too good to be made as vice-captain.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Adam Wheater

Batsmen – Cameron Delport (VC), Tom Westley, Dan Lawrence, Dawid Malan (C), Stephen Eskinazi, Eoin Morgan

All-Rounders – Toby Roland-Jones

Bowlers – Adam Zampa, Steve Finn, Nathan Sowter

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – John Simpson

Batsmen – Tom Westley (C), Dan Lawrence, Dawid Malan, Stephen Eskinazi (VC)

All-Rounders – Toby Roland-Jones, Ravi Bopara, Mohammad Hafeez

Bowlers – Mohammad Amir, Adam Zampa, Steve Finn

Expert Advice:

Picking Mohammad Hafeez is not a mandatory pick at least for this game. The Pakistan all-rounder bats in the middle-order and Chelmsford track might not suit his wicket-taking ability.

Probable Winners:

Middlesex might find it tough to chase a target at this venue without De Villiers.

*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.