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

Despite two top run-getters in this tournament batting for them, the Somerset side has struggled to convert it into results. Babar Azam has 267 runs with two fifties while Tom Banton amassed 256 runs with three half-centuries. The openers took the charge for Somerset in every alternative game. However, they could only win two out of six matches and are placed at No.7 in South Group.

After a 35-run loss against Middlesex, the Somerset team will now tour Chelmsford to face the home team Essex. The Simon Harmer-led side is on the same line as Somerset with two wins after six games. However, they got an extra point thanks to an abandoned game against Gloucestershire. Essex has brought back Ravi Bopara for this game who was left out after initial failures.

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Essex and Somerset 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 streamed live on Essex County Cricket’s YouTube channel.

Weather Condition/Report:

The Chelmsford weather is forecasted to be clear throughout the day and also during the match time. A full 20 overs match is expected to take place on Wednesday.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Chelmsford’s County Ground is good for batsmen as it witnessed a couple of high-scoring matches this season. The pitch here remains the same for the most part of the game. Chasing big totals won’t be tough if any team has enough depth in batting.

Average first innings score: 169 (Unaffected T20 Blast matches since 2018)

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

Probable Playing XIs:

Essex:

Cameron Delport, Tom Westley, Adam Wheater (WK), Dan Lawrence, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ravi Bopara, Simon Harmer (C), Shane Snater, Mohammad Amir, Aaron Beard, Adam Zampa.

Bench: Paul Walter, Sam Cook, Jamie Porter.

Somerset:

Babar Azam, Tom Banton, Tom Abell (C), James Hildreth, Eddie Byrom, Tom Lammonby, Roelof van der Merwe, Jerome Taylor, Max Waller, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton.

Bench: George Bartlett, Ollie Sale, Tim Groenewald.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Top Picks:

Babar Azam and Tom Banton are only separated by 11 runs in this T20 Blast as they occupy 2nd and 3rd positions in the list of leading run-getters in the tournament. Their pacer Jerome Taylor might be expensive but has taken a wicket in every game he played.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Babar Azam, Tom Westley, Tom Banton, Cameron Delport

Vice-captain – Ryan ten Doeschate, Eddie Byrom, Dan Lawrence, Jerome Taylor

It will be a tough task to choose one out of Babar Azam and Tom Banton for captaincy option. In Essex, Cameron Delport has the ability to score really big while Tom Westley and Dan Lawrence might not score big but are consistent.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Banton (C)

Batsmen – Babar Azam, Tom Westley (VC), Cameron Delport, Dan Lawrence, James Hildreth

All-Rounders – Ryan ten Doeschate

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Max Waller, Adam Zampa, Simon Harmer

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Adam Wheater

Batsmen – Babar Azam (C), Eddie Byrom, Tom Westley, Dan Lawrence

All-Rounders – Ryan ten Doeschate (VC), Roelof van der Merwe

Bowlers – Adam Zampa, Mohammad Amir, Craig Overton, Jerome Taylor

Expert Advice:

Given their form, the duo of Babar Azam and Tom Banton become mandatory. However, at least one more batsman from Somerset has to be picked in precaution to both the openers failing in the same game.

Probable Winners:

The star-studded batting of Middlesex is expected to come to the party this time around.

*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.