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

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Surrey and Somerset at the Kennington Oval in London.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Surrey Cricket Club’s channel on YouTube.

Preview:

Surrey will host Somerset on Tuesday at The Oval in a crucial match in the South Group. Among the nine teams in the South Group, seven teams are fighting for three spots in the quarters. Sussex in fact confirmed a home quarter-final having won 8 matches. Glamorgan is the other side who are out of the race having won none of the 13 matches thus far. Surrey is ahead of Glamorgan at No.8 in this group.

They have got 10 points from 12 matches with help of four victories. Surrey can still finish in top four if they win their remaining two matches and other teams in the race have to lose at least or both the remaining matches. Somerset, on the other hand, are currently at No.4 with 13 points from 12 games. They have won six matches so far and will need at least one win to stay longer in the competition.

Weather Report:

The Oval is expected to high temperatures with partial cloud covering on Tuesday. Some spells of rain is expected during the afternoon but no rain during the match that begins at 6:30 PM local time. There is a chance of delayed start if the rain in the afternoon lasts long.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Only three matches in this season finished without any reduction of overs due to rain. All those three matches have been won by the teams batting first. Chasing has become tough especially under the lights. Teams winning the toss would look to bat first and post 180+.

Average first innings score: 171 (Unaffected T20 Blast matches in 2019)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 0, Lost – 3

Injury and Team News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Surrey:

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

Bench: Conor McKerr, Scott Borthwick, Ryan Patel/Rikki Clarke.

Somerset:

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

Bench: George Bartlett, Ollie Sale, Jamie Overton, Dominic Bess.

Top Picks:

Babar Azam and Tom Banton continue to be a must in the fantasy team. The Somerset opening duo stands among the leading run-getters of the tournament. Sam Curran‘s ability with the ball could be at the display this time. He is likely to bowl at the death overs and Somerset batsmen have the knack of gifting the wickets. Ollie Pope got a few good scores recently in the T20 Blast. He also scored an unbeaten double century last week in a County match at The Oval.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Sam Curran, Babar Azam, Tom Banton, Ollie Pope

Vice-Captain – Tom Abell, Aaron Finch, Roelof van der Merwe, Will Jacks

Sam Curran seems to be going through a purple patch with the bat. Even against the best bowling attack of this tournament, Kent, he got a quick 20 odd in the previous match. Somerset’s bowling will suit Curran’s batting style as the youngster got a fifty against them earlier this season. Considering the expectations of his bowling for this game, he is a must as captain or vice-captain.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tom Banton (VC), Ollie Pope

Batters – Babar Azam, Tom Abell, Aaron Finch, Will Jacks

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Sam Curran (C)

Bowlers – Gareth Batty, Imran Tahir, Max Waller

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Tom Banton, Ollie Pope

Batters – Babar Azam (C), Will Jacks, Tom Abell

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Jordan Clark, Sam Curran (VC)

Bowlers – Jerome Taylor, Imran Tahir, Max Waller

Expert Advice:

Sam Curran, Babar Azam, Imran Tahir, Aaron Finch and Tom Banton collectively cost 49 credits. This meant only one player of 8.5 or 9 credits can be picked from the bowlers’ category if all those five players are selected in the fantasy team. Since the Oval track has a bit for the spinners, the likes of Max Waller and Gareth Batty can be picked.

Probable Winners:

Surrey could dent Somerset’s chances on a quarter-final berth.

*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.