Vitality Blast Preview: Surrey v Somerset
THE MATCH
Somerset take on Surrey at Kia Oval in the Vitality Blast tomorrow (Sunday May 31st).
The action is due to get underway at 12pm.
Tickets for this match, which is part of a double header, are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date using the dedicated Match Centre on this website which will feature a live stream of the action courtesy of Surrey CCC.
In-play updates will also appear on our X feed (formerly Twitter).
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Bryony Smith
Overseas players: Laura Harris (Australia, all)
2025 finish: Winners
2025 leading run-scorer: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (377)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Ryana MacDonald-Gay (15)
Key winter moves: Laura Harris has arrived as the overseas star to fill the void left by her younger sister Grace, who was a huge hit last year. Emma Jones has left for The Blaze while Alexa Stonehouse is on loan at Warwickshire and Tash Farrant has retired. Rachel King and Emily Burke (academy) have joined the squad.
The big question: Surrey are victims of their own success in many ways with four players named in the England squad for the T20 World Cup (more than any other county) and Priyanaz Chatterji called up for Scotland. How will they compensate for the loss of three of their top six and the spin wizardry of Tilly Corteen-Coleman? Opportunity certainly knocks for others.
Wildcard watch: Alice Monaghan – all-rounder Monaghan was just finding her way into the team during last season’s tournament but appears much more of a fixture now. A more than useful seamer, Monaghan will also be needed to fill one of the voids in the top order, and she’s also shown herself to be one of the team’s top fielders.
Final thought: Surrey carried an aura of invincibility in last year’s tournament but look more vulnerable now. Laura Harris doesn’t have the all-round versatility of sister Grace, but boasted a strike-rate of 207 last year. Two players conspicuous by their absence so far this season may be crucial to hopes of repeat success.
TEAM NEWS
Somerset will be without Heather Knight, Charlie Dean and Dani Gibson (international duty). Emma Corney (knee) and Mollie Robbins (unavailable) will also miss the game.
A starting XI will be named from the squad below:
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
On the eve of the match, Head Coach, Erin Osborne said:
“There’s still a good positive vibe around the group, and we’re looking forward to the challenge of Surrey. I know there’s a bit of history there and hopefully we can be on the right side of the result tomorrow. It’s another double header at a Test match ground and I think that’s important for our squad. I think that playing on decent sized boundaries, and things like that is really important.
“I think in terms of the development and the brand that we want to showcase, it’s really important that we play on the best grounds in England. It’s also an opportunity to get out in front of young kids and inspire the next generation.
“As I’ve said before, I want to build a successful team, but I want to build sustainability with that as well and longevity. It’s really important that we get every opportunity to showcase how we want to go about our cricket.”
NEXT MATCH
Somerset are next in action in the Vitality Blast when we take on Warwickshire Bears at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Sunday June 7th.
Tickets for this match, which is a double header, are still available
