Match Preview: Middlesex v Hampshire, Vitality Blast

After last week’s rained off fixture against Surrey, Hampshire have no room for error as they look to remain in contention for quarter-final qualification when they face Middlesex on Thursday in a must-win Vitality Blast fixture at Lord’s.

Hampshire Squad:

A 13-man squad has been confirmed for Thursday’s contest.

Aneurin Donald, who has taken his place at the top of the order throughout this summer’s campaign, is the only change made with the opening batsman unavailable after suffering concussion during Hampshire’s County Championship draw against Surrey this week. James Vince and Rilee Rossouw are the duo likely to form an opening partnership in his absence, and it’s the skipper who has been the most impressive with the bat for his side in this year’s Blast having totaled 227 runs at an average of more than 32 in his eight innings so far.

Kyle Abbott will be hoping to continue his good form in the competition with the ball as he goes up against his former side. The seamer’s 12 wickets have come at just 21.17 apiece this year, with good support also coming from Chris Wood (9 wickets at 22.22), Liam Dawson (8 wickets at 26.12) and Chris Morris (8 wickets at 30.75).

The Opposition:

Middlesex have enjoyed a positive Vitality Blast campaign so far this season with six victories from 10 fixtures so far helping them sit in third spot of the South Group. While Dawid Malan’s side have not yet clinched their place in the knockout stages, a victory on Thursday could see them move to top of the table.

The hosts boast a squad full of talent, including England World Cup winning skipper Eoin Morgan, as well as former England internationals Toby Roland-Jones and Steven Finn. AB de Villiers is unavailable for this fixture but is replaced by dangerous Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez who is in line to make his debut for Malan’s men.

Full Hampshire Squad:

Coverage:

Live ball-by-ball coverage and match highlights will be available via the Hampshire Cricket App and at ageasbowl.com/cricket. 

There will be ball-by-ball commentary available on BBC Radio Solent online at bbc.co.uk.

Weather Forecast:

Please follow the link for the latest weather forecast for Lord’s: http://ow.ly/qP4w30pozm 

Tickets:          

Tickets for Thursday’s match against Middlesex at Lord’s can be purchased online via the Middlesex website: https://www.middlesexccc.com/