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

As many as eight games will be played on the weekend in the T20 Blast 2019. In one of those encounters, Somerset will face Hampshire in a South Group fixture. Thus far, both these teams haven’t had the ideal starts. In their respective previous game, both Somerset and Hampshire suffered disappointing losses. Somerset lost to Kent by 41 runs while Hampshire fell 14 short of Sussex’s total.

For them, it is now the right time to turn the tables around. The level of competition in the T20 Blast is quite high. To finish in the top-four of a group is a daunting task and it is only possible when teams play great cricket. Thus, these two sides will be looking forward to adding two important points to the tally and place themselves better on the points table.

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Somerset and Hampshire at The Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT). This game will be streamed live by Somerset Cricket Club on their YouTube Channel.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The County Ground in Taunton generally has dry conditions but the surface remains good for the batsmen throughout the game. The average first innings score last season read 188 and the teams posting anything less than 190 ended up losing. The recently concluded World Cup witnessed moderate totals by Taunton recorded the only 300+ chase during the tournament.

Average first innings score: 188 (T20 Blast matches in 2018)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Tie – 4

Probable Playing XIs:

Somerset:

Babar Azam, Tom Banton (WK), Tom Abell, James Hildreth, Peter Trego, Lewis Gregory (C), Roelof van der Merwe, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Max Waller, Jerome Taylor.

Bench: Tom Lammonby, Tim Groenewald, Ollie Sale.

Hampshire:

Rilee Rossouw, Aneurin Donald, James Vince (C), Sam Northeast, Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Chris Morris, Lewis McManus (WK), Chris Wood, Kyle Abbott, Mason Crane.

Bench: Brad Taylor, Ryan Stevenson, Tom Alsop.

Injury and Availability News:

Rilee Rossouw suffered a blow on head during the game against Sussex but is fit to play.

Lewis Gregory is expected to lead Somerset on Friday after getting released from England’s Test squad.

Power Picks:

Rilee Rossouw in Twenty20 cricket in 2019:

923 runs from 27 innings at an average of 48.57 and strike rate of 144.67. Rossouw scored a century and seven fifties in those 27 innings and is the 4th highest run-getter in the 2019 T20s.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Rilee Rossouw, Tom Banton, James Vince, Babar Azam, Liam Dawson

Vice-captain Options – Lewis Gregory, Roelof van der Merwe, Chris Morris, Peter Trego, Sam Northeast

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Banton (VC)

Batsmen – Rilee Rossouw (C), James Vince, Peter Trego

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Lewis Gregory, Chris Morris

Bowlers – Craig Overton, Chris Wood, Jerome Taylor, Kyle Abbott

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Lewis McManus

Batsmen – Rilee Rossouw, Babar Azam (C), Peter Trego

All-Rounders – Liam Dawson (VC), Roelof van der Merwe, Lewis Gregory

Bowlers – Craig Overton, Max Waller, Chris Wood, Mason Crane

Expert Advice:

Due to costly players in all-rounders and bowlers’ category, Babar Azam had to be excluded in our Suggested Playing XI No.1. However, at the cost of James Vince and other costly players, Pakistan’s top-order batsman was fitted in the Suggested Playing XI No.2.

Probable Winners:

Somerset will be having an edge of playing at home and also the form of both sides.

*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.