Somerset v Hampshire Hawks: The Experts Pick The Ones to Watch
On Friday May 22nd, Somerset take on Hampshire Hawks at the Cooper Associates County Ground in a repeat of last year’s dramatic final.
Ahead of the match, we asked the experts who they think will be the players to watch in this classic encounter.
Former Somerset Captain turned journalist and broadcaster, Vic Marks has picked the three Somerset players who he thinks will set the competition alight this summer, whilst former Hampshire all rounder Kevan James, who is now one of the BBC’s leading cricket commentators, casts his eye over the Hawks’ shining lights.
Will Smeed
He was our top scorer last year, and he bats with what I would call uncomplicated power but with real skill. We know he can smash it, but he did that with more judgment last year. He batted for longer and shepherded us home in vital games. I’m also intrigued by the fact that he’s now made his red ball debut. I’m hoping, a bit like Tom Banton, that going back to playing red ball cricket will make him even better with a white ball. He’s still a youngster with huge potential and it’s always great to see him going out there because you know that he’ll cause a few tremors amongst the opposition.
Toby Albert
2025 was a breakthrough year in T20 for the 24-year-old at the top of the order. His 633 runs was the tournaments best, just ahead of Will Smeed. Albert was the perfect opening partner to the experienced and highly successful James Vince. He hit six half centuries and his 85 off 48 balls against Somerset in last year’s final showed he’s got the big occasion temperament too.
Tom Abell
He’s more of a touch player than a power player and you need all sorts, even in a T20 game. He’s someone who knows where the gaps are, who is good in a run chase and loves the tight situations. He’s someone who proves that you don’t have to be bulging with muscles and clearing the boundary left, right and centre to be hugely effective in T20 cricket. He’s so unlucky not to have played any international cricket, but there’s still time for him to get a cap. We all love him because he’s absolutely critical to the balance of our batting lineup. We’ve got plenty of exploders like Banton and Kohler Cadmore, who are fantastic to have in the team, but it’s important to have a bit of ballast there, someone who can just control things when we’re not quite in charge of the situation.
Tristan Stubbs
One of two overseas players for Hampshire this season.
The 25-year-old South African comes with a big reputation, striking at 142 per hundred balls in this format. He has a strong connection to impending Hampshire owners GMR as he’s been a member of their IPL team Delhi Capitals for the past three editions.
Daniel Sams
The coaches seem to like a bit of experience when they look overseas, particularly for bowlers. It’s important to have a player who comes to the fore at the back end of T20 innings, both with the bat and also with the ball when the flack is flying. With Ben Green having left, it’s clear that the Club went with someone who’s got all those credentials. We’ve seen him play and he had great success for Essex, and we look forward to welcoming him. I think he’ll enjoy it because most people enjoy playing at Taunton. I’m expecting him to slot in effortlessly.
Ben Mayes
The 18-year-old’s first taste of T20 Blast action was last season’s quarter final at Durham as a then 17-year-old. He went on to play in both matches at Blast Finals Day. Whilst he didn’t score many runs it shows the faith the club have in this young batter. Mayes made his name during the winter when he struck 191, the highest score by an England youth player, in their Under 19’s World Cup game against Scotland in Harare.
Somerset v Hampshire Hawks: Don’t miss out!
There is now less than one month to go until the 2026 Vitality Blast gets underway at the Cooper Associates County Ground!
On Friday May 22nd Somerset Men and Women take on their Hampshire counterparts in the opening T20 fixture of the summer.
The men will clash in a repeat of last year’s dramatic final, whilst the women begin their quest for a first Blast trophy.
Be a part of “The Best Atmosphere in the Blast!”
The atmosphere at the Cooper Associates County Ground has been officially named as “The Best in the Vitality Blast” for the third consecutive year.
The results of the ECB’s Experience Cricket survey were published recently and Somerset CCC came out on top.
An official ECB survey is sent to all Members and ticket holders from the 18 First Class Counties after each matchday and attendees are invited to score their experience across a raft of categories.
What happened last time?
The last time that Somerset and Hampshire Hawks met was in last year’s men’s final.
Here’s a little reminder of what happened on that memorable day at Edgbaston last summer:
How much does it cost?
Outlined below is a table of our 2026 ticket prices.
Prices start from just £15 for adults and £5 for juniors.
2026 will continue to see tiered pricing for our most popular fixtures whilst we will also see the introduction of dynamic pricing for certain matchdays in order to reward early bookers.
Full admission prices will be available via our ticketing page when tickets go on sale.
Group Ticket Offer
The more people you bring, the more money you save!
Supporters can once again take advantage of a 10% discount on any purchases of more than 10 tickets, 20% off more than 20 tickets, and 30% off more than 30!
To claim the group offer, please select the relevant option for your group size from the drop down menu.
This discount is applicable only at the time of the initial booking and is only available for Category C seating for Vitality Blast fixtures.
Family Discount
A family day out is what Vitality Blast cricket is all about!
We will once again be providing a special Family Discount for Category C seating at our home Vitality Blast Fixtures.
Simply select the Family Ticket offer and you will get two junior tickets at half price when you purchase two adult tickets!
Is seating allocated?
Allocated seating applies to Vitality Blast matches and Women’s International fixtures.
This is to ensure that our busiest fixtures can take place in an enjoyable and safe manner.
Matchday Hospitality
Whether you’re entertaining clients, rewarding your staff or looking to enjoy a day out with friends and family, our matchday hospitality has everything that you need.
