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

Somerset began the T20 Blast 2019 with a comfortable victory over Glamorgan while chasing a big score. However, they lost all three games they played since then. The last two defeats involved big knocks from the current No.1 T20I batsman, Babar Azam. The Pakistan top-order bat scored an unbeaten 95 against Hampshire and 83 against Sussex during a run chase.

They will host Surrey on Friday at their home ground Taunton. The Surrey side isn’t in any better position as they have three points after five matches. They also lost three matches but survived got away with a Tie against Sussex with Imran Tahir hitting a six in the final over. Aaron Finch batting through can reflect into Surrey’s success as their batting hasn’t been in the best shape.

Match Details:

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

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT). This match would be streamed live on Somerset County Cricket’s YouTube Channel.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The batting first side posted 170+ in each of the last five T20s here in Taunton which proves it as a high-scoring venue. The pitch hardly changes through the course of the game. The big totals can be chased if any team has a good batting depth and hitters.

Average first innings score: 190 (Last five T20 Blast matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 3

Probable Playing XIs:

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: Ollie Sale, Tim Groenewald.

Surrey:

Aaron Finch (C), Will Jacks, Mark Stoneman, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (WK), Jordan Clark, Rikki Clarke, Tom Curran, Sam Curran, Gareth Batty, Imran Tahir.

Bench: Scott Borthwick, Ryan Patel, Jamie Smith.

Injury and Availability News:

Sam Curran has been released from England’s squad while the regular captains of both teams Jade Dernbach and Lewis Gregory are recovering from injuries.

Power Picks:

Jerome Taylor in T20 Blast since 2018:

28 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 18.21 and a strike rate of 12.11. He claimed a 5-wicket haul and a 4-fer in those 15 games.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Aaron Finch, Babar Azam, Will Jacks, Tom Banton, Ollie Pope

Vice-captain – Roelof van der Merwe, Sam Curran, James Hildreth, Tom Curran, Craig Overton

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Ollie Pope, Tom Banton

Batsmen – Aaron Finch (VC), Babar Azam (VC), Will Jacks

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Sam Curran

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Craig Overton, Imran Tahir, Tom Curran

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Ollie Pope, Tom Banton, Ben Foakes

Batsmen – James Hildreth, Babar Azam, Will Jacks (VC)

All-Rounders – Sam Curran (C)

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Craig Overton, Imran Tahir, Gareth Batty

Expert Advice:

Aaron Finch has been far from exhibiting his last year’s form at the T20 Blast. He can be ignored if there is a budget issue as he costs 10 credits. Interestingly, there is very little chance of such an issue coming even in the presence of Babar Azam (10.5), Sam Curran (9.5) and Imran Tahir (9.5). Most of the alternative pickings cost 8 and 8.5 credits only being the reason.

Probable Winners:

Somerset’s losing streak might continue with the inclusion of big names in the Surrey line-up.

*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.