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

Gloucestershire made a good start to the T20 Blast 2019 by reducing Glamorgan to 96/8 in their first game. However, Benny Howell’s effort of 5-wicket haul went in vain due to rain that robbed a win for the home team. The Michael Klinger-led side would be looking to open their account when they take on Middlesex once again in Cheltenham. Middlesex won both the matches they played thus far.

The Dawid Malan-led team won as few as three matches over the last two T20 Blast editions and lost each of their last eight matches in 2018. However, AB de Villiers and Mujeeb ur Rahman’s inclusion brought new excitement to the club. The former South African guided his team to win with an unbeaten 88 on debut against Essex while Malan’s ton came handy in a big win against Surrey on Tuesday.

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Gloucestershire and Middlesex at the College Ground in Cheltenham.

The match starts at 2:30 PM local time (7:00 PM IST) (1:30 PM GMT).

This match can be streamed live on Gloucestershire County Cricket’s YouTube Channel.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The College Ground in Cheltenham was a high-scoring venue over the last three T20 Blast seasons but Glamorgan were reduced to 96/8 before the rain interval in the first game. The track during that game was quite dry allowing the slow bowlers rule. The hosts might be benefited if a similar track is used due to players with variations on their side.

Average first innings score: 186 (Completed T20 Blast matches since 2016)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 2, Tied – 1

Probable Playing XIs:

Gloucestershire:

Michael Klinger (C), Miles Hammond, Ian Cockbain, Benny Howell, James Bracey (WK), Ryan Higgins, Jack Taylor, Andrew Tye, Tom Smith, David Payne, Matt Taylor.

Bench: Chris Liddle, Graeme van Buuren, Chris Dent.

Middlesex:

Stephen Eskinazi, Dawid Malan (C), Nick Gubbins, AB de Villiers, John Simpson (WK), George Scott, Tom Helm, Toby Roland-Jones, Steven Finn, Nathan Sowter, Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Bench: Max Holden, Dan Lincoln, James Harris, Tom Barber.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Power Picks:

Ryan Higgins in T20 Blast 2018:

With bat – 240 runs from 11 innings at an average of 24 with 1 fifty

With ball – 10 wickets from 14 matches at an average of 33.4

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Dawid Malan, Benny Howell, AB de Villiers, Ryan Higgins, Tom Helm

Vice-captain Options – Ian Cockbain, Andrew Tye, Nick Gubbins, Michael Klinger, Toby Roland-Jones

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – John Simpson

Batsmen – Dawid Malan (VC), Michael Klinger, Stephen Eskinazi, AB de Villiers, Ian Cockbain

All-Rounders – Benny Howell (C), Jack Taylor

Bowlers – Nathan Sowter, Toby Roland-Jones, David Payne

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – James Bracey

Batsmen – George Scott, Miles Hammond, AB de Villiers (C), Dawid Malan, Ian Cockbain (VC)

All-Rounders – Benny Howell, Ryan Higgins

Bowlers – Tom Helm, Andrew Tye, Mujeeb ur Rahman

Expert Advice:

The track to be used for this game is likely to be a slower one going by logical factor. The venue has hosted quite a lot of cricket over the last 2 weeks. This leaves used tracks for the T20 Blast just like the one seen during Gloucester-Glamorgan game. Picking up spinners and slow bowlers from both teams and keeping down the number of batsmen will be ideal in this case.

Probable Winners:

Middlesex might find it tough with the bat if a dry track is used for this game.

*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.