Match Preview: Hampshire v Gloucestershire - Vitality Blast

Hampshire take to the The Ageas Bowl for the final time in this year’s Vitality Blast as they face Gloucestershire in the South Group curtain-closer on Friday.

Hampshire Squad:

A 14-man squad has been named for Friday’s match as James Vince’s side look to finish this year’s competition in positive fashion.

A run of tough results over the past weeks has meant hopes of reaching an eighth finals day in nine years have been dashed, but Hampshire will still be searching for a second home victory of the campaign to take confidence heading into the final six weeks of the season, including a crucial Specsavers County Championship run-in, beginning this Sunday.

The Opposition:

After finishing bottom of the South Group last year, Gloucestershire have enjoyed an excellent 2018 Blast campaign so far, picking up eight wins from their 12 fixtures to currently in second position - they’ll be aiming to secure a home quarter-final spot in their final matches.

A number of individuals from Michael Klinger’s squad have made key contributions this summer, with Ian Cockbain, Jack Taylor and Klinger himself all impressing with the bat, whilst David Payne, Benny Howell and overseas seamer Andrew Tye have all taken more than 10 wickets each with the ball.

Did You Know?

• Hampshire have not lost a T20 match against Gloucestershire at the The Ageas Bowl
• Hampshire have won six of the last eight T20 matches against Gloucestershire, with one match abandoned and one loss.
• James Vince, Liam Dawson, and Chris Wood all starred for Hampshire in the side’s first T20 game against Gloucestershire back in 2010.

Full Hampshire Squad

Coverage

Hampshire Cricket’s social media channels will provide updates throughout both match. Ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights can be found at ageasbowl.com/cricket.

BBC Radio Solent also offers ball-by-ball commentary online at bbc.co.uk.

Weather Forecast:

Follow the link for the latest weather forecast for the The Ageas Bowl: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcp185f25

Tickets:

Tickets for Friday’s match against Gloucestershire at the The Ageas Bowl can be purchased online via the link below, over the phone 0844 847 1863, or by visiting the The Ageas Bowl’s Ticketing & Membership Office via normal working hours.